Configurable vehicle frames and associated methods

ABSTRACT

An example vehicle frame disclosed herein includes end frames having wheels coupled thereto, and a central frame coupled between the end frames, the central frame positioned at an offset relative to the end frames, the vehicle frame rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame between a first position and a second position, the central frame at a first distance from the ground when the vehicle frame is in the first position, the central frame at a second distance from the ground when the vehicle frame is in the second position, the first distance greater than the second distance.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to vehicles and, more particularly, toconfigurable vehicle frames and associated methods.

BACKGROUND

A vehicle frame is the main supporting structure of a vehicle. Vehicleframes can be body-on-frame constructions, where the body of the vehicleis separate from the frame, or unibody constructions, where the frameand the body are integrated. The vehicle frame supports mechanicalcomponents of the vehicle and manages the static and dynamic loads onthe vehicle (e.g., the weight of passengers and cargo, torsionaltwisting due to uneven road surfaces, torque from a vehicle engineand/or transmission, etc.). In some examples, vehicle frames includesubframes. Subframes are discrete structures within the frame thatsupport specific vehicle structures.

SUMMARY

An example vehicle frame disclosed herein includes end frames and acentral frame coupled between the end frames. The central frame ispositioned at an offset relative to the end frames, and the vehicleframe is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle framebetween a first position and a second position. The central frame is ata first distance from the ground when the vehicle frame is in the firstposition, and the central frame is at a second distance from the groundwhen the vehicle frame is in the second position, the second distancegreater than the first distance.

An example vehicle disclosed herein includes a vehicle frame rotatableabout a longitudinal axis between first and second positions. Thevehicle frame has a first ride height when the vehicle frame is in thefirst position, and the vehicle frame has a second ride height when thevehicle frame is in the second position, the second ride height greaterthan the first ride height. The vehicle includes one of a first type ofvehicle body or a second type of vehicle body. The first type of vehiclebody is coupled to the vehicle frame when the vehicle frame is in thefirst position, and the second type of vehicle body coupled to thevehicle frame when the vehicle frame is in the second position, thesecond type of vehicle body different from the first type of vehiclebody.

An example method disclosed herein includes in response to determiningthat a vehicle is to have a first ride height, rotating a vehicle frameof the vehicle about a longitudinal axis to a first position. Thevehicle frame is rotatable between the first position and a secondposition. The vehicle frame has the first ride height when the vehicleframe is in the first position, and the vehicle frame has a second rideheight when the vehicle frame is in the second position, the second rideheight greater than the first ride height. One of a first type ofvehicle body or a second type of vehicle body is coupled to the vehicleframe. The first type of vehicle body is coupled to the vehicle framewhen the vehicle frame is in the first position, and the second type ofvehicle body is coupled to the vehicle frame when the vehicle frame isin the second position, the second type of vehicle body different fromthe first type of vehicle body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle in which examples disclosedherein can be implemented.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example reversible frame in accordance withteachings of this disclosure and configured for a low ride height of theexample vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B illustrates the example reversible frame of FIG. 2A configuredfor a high ride height of the example vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates the example reversible frame of FIGS. 2A and/or 2Brotated about an example longitudinal axis between first and secondpositions.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart representative of an example method to produce theexample reversible frame of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and/or 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a first example configurable vehicle chassis inaccordance with teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 6A illustrates the first example configurable vehicle chassis ofFIG. 5 configured for a high ride height of the example vehicle of FIG.1.

FIG. 6B illustrates the first example configurable vehicle chassis ofFIGS. 5 and/or 6A configured for a low ride height of the examplevehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates a second example configurable vehicle chassis inaccordance with teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 8A illustrates the second example configurable vehicle chassis ofFIG. 7 configured for a high ride height of the example vehicle of FIG.1.

FIG. 8B illustrates the second example configurable vehicle chassis ofFIGS. 7 and/or 8A configured for a low ride height of the examplevehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart representative of an example method to produce thefirst example configurable vehicle chassis of FIGS. 5, 6A, and/or 6Band/or the second example configurable vehicle chassis of FIGS. 7, 8A,and/or 8B.

FIG. 10 illustrates example wheel assembly mounts in accordance with theteachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 11A illustrates an example wheel assembly mount of FIG. 10configured for a low ride height and a high ride height of the examplevehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11B illustrates an example wheel assembly mount of FIG. 10 coupledto the example vehicle frame of FIG. 10 for a low ride height of theexample vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11C illustrates an example alternative wheel assembly mount andalternative rail portion of the frame for an adjustable ride height ofthe example vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12A illustrates example wheel assembly mounts coupled to theexample vehicle frame of FIG. 10 for a low ride height of the examplevehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12B illustrates example wheel assembly mounts coupled to theexample vehicle frame of FIG. 10 for a high ride height of the examplevehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13A illustrates the example vehicle frame of FIG. 10 as configuredusing the example wheel assembly mounts of FIG. 12B for a high rideheight of the example vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13B illustrates the example vehicle frame of FIG. 10 as configuredusing the example wheel assembly mounts of FIG. 12A for a low rideheight of the example vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart representative of an example method to configurea ride height of a vehicle using the example wheel assembly mounts ofFIGS. 10, 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 13A and/or 13B.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example vehicle chassis including exampleelectric motorized wheel assemblies in accordance with the teachings ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 16A illustrates an example wheel assembly of FIG. 15 configured forthe example vehicle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16B illustrates an example wheel assembly of FIG. 15 coupled to theexample vehicle frame of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart representative of an example method to configurethe example wheel assemblies of FIGS. 15, 16A, and/or 16B.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an example vehicle chassis in which theteachings of this disclosure can be implemented.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an example vehicle chassis withdifferent width and length configurations.

FIG. 20A is a top view of a first configuration of the chassis of FIG.19.

FIG. 20B is a top view of a second configuration of the chassis of FIG.19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a first alternative vehicle chassisincluding the adjustable structural members.

FIGS. 22A is a perspective view of an adjustable structural member ofFIG. 21.

FIGS. 22B is a perspective view of an alternative adjustable member thatcan be used with the alternative vehicle chassis of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a second alternative vehicle chassisincluding interchangeable chassis portions.

FIG. 24A is a top view of a first configuration of the chassis of FIG.23 including a first set of the interchangeable chassis portions.

FIG. 24B is a top view of a second configuration of the chassis of FIG.23 including a second set of the interchangeable chassis portions.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart representative of an example method to assemblethe example chassis of FIGS. 19 and 21.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an example vehicle chassis in which theteachings of this disclosure can be implemented.

FIGS. 27A-27C are perspective views of interchangeable performancepackages.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the example vehicle chassis of FIG. 26and the interchangeable performance packages of FIG. 27A-27C.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart representative of an example method to assemblethe example chassis of FIGS. 28 with one of the interchangeableperformance packages of FIGS. 27A-27C.

FIGS. 30A-30C are perspective views of interchangeable subframes withthe interchangeable performance packages of FIGS. 27A-27C.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the example vehicle chassis of FIG. 26and the interchangeable subframes of FIG. 30A-30C.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart representative of an example method to assemblethe example chassis of FIGS. 31 with one of the interchangeablesubframes of FIG. 30A-30C.

FIGS. 33A-33C are perspective views of interchangeable chassis portions.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of another example vehicle chassis and theinterchangeable subframes of FIG. 30A-30C.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart representative of an example method to assemblethe example chassis of FIGS. 34 with one of the interchangeablesubframes of FIG. 33A-33C.

The figures are not to scale. Instead, the thickness of the layers orregions may be enlarged in the drawings. In general, the same referencenumbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying writtendescription to refer to the same or like parts. As used in this patent,stating that any part (e.g., a layer, film, area, region, or plate) isin any way on (e.g., positioned on, located on, disposed on, or formedon, etc.) another part, indicates that the referenced part is either incontact with the other part, or that the referenced part is above theother part with one or more intermediate part(s) located therebetween.Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined)are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members betweena collection of elements and relative movement between elements unlessotherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarilyinfer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation toeach other. Stating that any part is in “contact” with another partmeans that there is no intermediate part between the two parts. Althoughthe figures show layers and regions with clean lines and boundaries,some or all of these lines and/or boundaries may be idealized. Inreality, the boundaries and/or lines may be unobservable, blended,and/or irregular.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Descriptors “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. are used herein whenidentifying multiple elements or components which may be referred toseparately. Unless otherwise specified or understood based on theircontext of use, such descriptors are not intended to impute any meaningof priority, physical order or arrangement in a list, or ordering intime but are merely used as labels for referring to multiple elements orcomponents separately for ease of understanding the disclosed examples.In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to anelement in the detailed description, while the same element may bereferred to in a claim with a different descriptor such as “second” or“third.” In such instances, it should be understood that suchdescriptors are used merely for ease of referencing multiple elements orcomponents.

As used herein, the orientation of features is described with referenceto a lateral axis, a vertical axis, and a longitudinal axis of thevehicle associated with the features. As used herein, the longitudinalaxis of the vehicle is parallel to a centerline of the vehicle. Theterms “rear” and “front” are used to refer to directions along thelongitudinal axis closer to the rear of the vehicle and the front of thevehicle, respectively. As used herein, the vertical axis of the vehicleis perpendicular to the ground on which the vehicle rests. The terms“below” and “above” are used to refer to directions along the verticalaxis closer to the ground and away from the ground, respectively. Asused herein, the lateral axis of the vehicle is perpendicular to thelongitudinal and vertical axes and is generally parallel to the axles ofthe vehicle. In general, the attached figures are annotated with a setof axes including the lateral axis (Y), the longitudinal axis (X), andthe vertical axis (Z). As used herein, the terms “longitudinal,” and“axial” are used interchangeably to refer to directions parallel to thelongitudinal axis. As used herein, the terms “lateral” and “horizontal”are used to refer to directions parallel to the lateral axis. As usedherein, the term “vertical” and “normal” are used interchangeably torefer to directions parallel to the vertical axis.

As used herein, the term “width” refers to the dimension of a vehiclealong the lateral axis. As used herein, when referring to a vehicleand/or chassis, the term “length” refers to the dimension of a vehiclealong the longitudinal axis. As used herein, when referring to astructural member, the term “length” refers to the dimension of thestructural perpendicular to the cross-section of the structural member(e.g., the dimension of a crossmember along the lateral axis, thedimension of a side rail along the longitudinal axis, etc.). As usedherein, the term “footprint” refers to the projected area of a vehiclein a plane defined by the lateral and longitudinal axes.

As used herein, the term “chassis” refers to the structural componentsof a vehicle, and generally includes the frame of the vehicle and one ormore of the suspension system(s), the steering components, thepowertrain, the drivetrain, the wheels, the brakes, etc. As used herein,the term “frame” refers to the main structural component of the vehicleto which the other components are coupled. As used herein, the term“crossmember” is used to refer to structural members of the frame thatextend laterally. As used herein, the term “side rail” is used to referto structural members of the frame that extend axially.

The examples disclosed herein include structural members that aregenerally depicted as tubes having rectangular cross-sections. However,the structural members described herein can be of any other suitableshape (e.g., circular, ovoid, polygonal, etc.). Additionally, thestructural members described herein can be solid or have walls of anysuitable thickness.

In some examples used herein, the term “substantially” is used todescribe a relationship between two parts that is within three degreesof the stated relationship (e.g., a substantially colinear relationshipis within three degrees of being colinear, a substantially perpendicularrelationship is within three degrees of being perpendicular, asubstantially parallel relationship is within three degrees of beingparallel, etc.).

Vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, vans, etc.) typically include a vehiclechassis including a vehicle frame with wheels coupled thereto. Inbattery-powered electric vehicles, one or more battery packs arepositioned on the vehicle frame and are used to power one or moreelectric motors operatively coupled to the wheels. In some instances, aride height of the vehicle is selected based on a type and/or functionof the vehicle, where the ride height of the vehicle corresponds to aclearance or distance between the vehicle frame and the ground. In someknown vehicles, different vehicle frames are implemented on the vehiclesto configure the vehicles for different ride heights. The selection ofthe ride height for a vehicle includes trade-offs such as, handling,ride quality, and practicality. For example, a higher ride height allowsthe wheels to absorb larger road displacements (e.g., sudden changes inthe road surface) and allows the vehicle to more easily drive on unevenroads without causing significant impacts to the vehicle frame. However,a lower ride height provides a lower center of mass for the vehicle,which improves the handling of the vehicle, particularly at higherspeeds. Commonly, multiple vehicle frames are constructed with differentstructural components and geometries to produce vehicles having variousride heights. While the ride height of a vehicle can be adjusted bymaking modifications to the vehicle frame, modifications to the vehicleframe to adjust the ride height can be laborious and require numerousadditional parts.

Some examples disclosed herein implement a vehicle chassis that can beconfigured for two different ride heights. A first example vehiclechassis includes an example reversible vehicle frame, which includes anexample central frame (e.g., a base frame) coupled between example endframes having wheels coupled thereto. The central frame is positioned atan offset (e.g., a vertical offset) from the end frames. The reversiblevehicle frame is rotatable about an example longitudinal axis between afirst position and a second position. The central frame is at a firstdistance from the ground when the reversible frame is in the firstposition, and the central frame is at a second distance from the groundwhen the reversible frame is in the second position, where the firstdistance is greater than the second distance. Stated differently, thereversible frame in the first position is configured for a high rideheight, and the reversible frame in the second position is configuredfor a low ride height. Advantageously, by providing a reversible framethat is configurable for different ride heights, a number of partsrequired and/or manufacturing complexity of the vehicle is significantlyreduced.

Another example configurable vehicle chassis disclosed herein includesan example central frame (e.g., a base frame) couplable between firstexample frame subassemblies and second example frame subassemblies,where each of the first and second frame subassemblies defines a wheelaxle. The first frame subassemblies include first bridge portions thatare oriented generally upward relative to the wheel axles, and thesecond frame subassemblies include second bridge portions orientedgenerally downward relative to the wheel axles. The central frame is ata first distance from the ground when coupled between the first framesubassemblies, and the central frame is at a second distance from theground when the central frame is coupled between the second framesubassemblies, where the first distance is greater than the seconddistance. Stated differently, the configurable vehicle chassis isconfigured for a high ride height when the central frame is coupledbetween the first frame subassemblies, and the configurable vehiclechassis is configured for a low ride height when the central frame iscoupled between the second frame subassemblies.

Another example configurable vehicle chassis disclosed herein includesexample upward and downward bridge portions (e.g., first and secondbridge portions) couplable between the central frame and subassembliesdefining wheel axles, where the central frame and subassemblies are thesame for vehicles having different ride height requirements. In examplesdisclosed herein, the third configurable vehicle chassis is configuredfor a high ride height when the central frame is coupled to thesubassemblies via the upward bridge portions, and the secondconfigurable vehicle chassis is configured for a low ride height whenthe central frame is to the subassemblies via the downward bridgeportions. As such, the example configurable vehicle chassis areconfigurable for different ride heights by selectively couplingdifferent frame subassemblies and/or bridge portions to the centralframe. Advantageously, by enabling parts to be interchangeablyimplemented across different vehicles having different ride heightrequirements, a number of the parts required and/or manufacturingcomplexity of the vehicles is reduced.

Some examples disclosed herein implement multi-position wheel assemblymounts that can be configured for at least two different ride heights.An example multi-position wheel assembly mount disclosed herein includesa plate including protrusions extending away from a surface of the plateand toward the vehicle frame. In some examples disclosed herein, theprotrusions are pins that are positionable in apertures of the vehicleframe, where the apertures may be through holes in rail portions of thevehicle frame. In examples disclosed herein, the protrusions arepositionable in the apertures of the frame in a first position toprovide a first ride height of the vehicle and a second position toprovide a second ride height of the vehicle. In some examples, the firstright height is a high ride height, and the second ride height is a lowride height. Example disclosed herein do not require additional partsfor the frame or body of the vehicle, thereby reducing a number of partsrequired and/or manufacturing complexity of the vehicles to achieve thedesired ride height.

Different types and models of vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, vans, etc.)generally include different chassis and different performancerequirements. That is, different types and models of vehicles havedifferent engine performance requirements (e.g., different torquerequirements, different horsepower requirements, different rangerequirements, etc.) and different suspension requirements (e.g.,suspension stiffness requirements, travel requirements, dampingrequirements, camber control requirements, etc.). These performancerequirements are generally related to different design considerations,including the type/class of the vehicle (e.g., pick-up truck, compactcar, van, sedan, etc.), the intended role of the vehicle (e.g., everydaydriving, sport driving, long-distance transport, short-distancetransport, law enforcement, off-road vehicles, etc.), the weight of thevehicle, the size of the vehicle, and/or consumer preferences. Thesevariations in design requirements make reusing parts between the chassisof different vehicle models impractical.

Some examples disclosed herein implement electric motorized wheelassemblies which can be configured for different ride and/or performanceneeds. The example wheel assemblies disclosed herein includes swappableor interchangeable components that include an in-wheel electric motor,suspension assembly, and a suspension mounting frame (frame mountinginterface). In examples disclosed herein, the components of the wheelassemblies that are connected to the vehicle frame via the framemounting interface to allow for geometric freedom between the vehicleframe and the components without the need for traditional axleconnections from the center containing the electric motor. In examplesdisclosed herein, the wheel assemblies also include mounting points forthe suspension links and dampers. Advantageously, by providing anelectric motorized wheel assembly that includes interchangeable partsthat have common attachment and packaging strategies, ride andperformance needs can be met for the vehicle while reducing the numberof parts and complexity of manufacturing.

Examples disclosed herein provide vehicle chassis with common featuresto receive interchangeable performance packages that enable aconfigurable vehicle chassis to be utilized with different vehiclemodels with minimal configuration changes. An example vehicle chassisdisclosed herein includes cavities with features that enable differentperformance packages to be coupled thereto. By interchanging theinterchangeable performance packages, the engine properties andsuspension properties of the example vehicle chassis can be changed.Another example vehicle chassis disclosed herein includes features thatenable different subframes to be coupled thereto. In some such examplesdisclosed herein, the different subframes include different performancepackages. By interchanging the interchangeable subframes, the engineproperties and suspension properties of the example vehicle chassis canbe changed. Another example vehicle chassis disclosed herein includes acommon battery platform, an interchangeable front chassis portion, andan interchangeable rear chassis portion. In some such examples disclosedherein, the different chassis portions include different performancepackages. By interchanging the interchangeable subframes, the engineproperties and suspension properties of the example vehicle chassis canbe changed.

Different models of vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, vans, etc.) generallyinclude differently-sized chassis with differently-sized components.That is, the wheelbase and the track width of a vehicle are generallydriven by different design considerations, including the type/class ofthe vehicle (e.g., pick-up truck, compact car, van, sedan, etc.), thedesired spaciousness of the passenger cabin, desired storage space,and/or packaging requirements for vehicle components. These variationsin design requirements make reusing parts between the chassis ofdifferent vehicle models impractical.

Examples disclosed herein provide vehicle chassis with scalable widthsand lengths that enable a configurable vehicle chassis to be utilizedwith different vehicle models with minimal configuration changes. Anexample scalable vehicle chassis disclosed herein includes commonchassis portions and interchangeable structural members. Byinterchanging the interchangeable structural members, the width andlength of the example scalable vehicle chassis can be changed. Anotherexample scalable chassis disclosed herein includes common chassisportions and adjustable structural members. By adjusting the length ofthe adjustable structural members, the width and length of the examplescalable vehicle chassis can be changed. Another example scalablevehicle chassis disclosed herein includes a common battery platform, aninterchangeable front chassis portion, and an interchangeable rearchassis portion. By interchanging the interchangeable chassis portions,the width and length of the example scalable vehicle chassis can bechanged.

While example vehicle chassis, frames, and modules described aregenerally described as distinct examples, the teachings of thisdisclosure can be combined, rearranged, and omitted in any suitablemanner. As such, a vehicle and/or vehicle chassis implemented inaccordance with the teachings of this disclosure can include some or allof the features described herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 is amotorized wheel-driven vehicle. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1,the vehicle 100 is a pick-up truck. In other examples, the vehicle 100can be any type of wheeled vehicle (e.g., a sedan, a coupe, a van, apick-up truck, a sports utility vehicle, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV),farming equipment, etc.). In some examples, the vehicle 100 is an EV. Insuch examples, the vehicle 100 includes one or more electric motors andone or more battery arrays. In other examples, the vehicle 100 includesan internal combustion engine (e.g., a non-electrified vehicle, apartially electrified vehicle, etc.).

FIG. 2A illustrates an example reversible frame 200 (e.g., a vehicleframe, a reversible vehicle frame, a kickflip reversible frame, achassis) in accordance with teachings of this disclosure. In theillustrated example of FIG. 2A, the reversible frame 200 is configuredfor a low ride height of the example vehicle 100 of FIG. 1. The examplereversible frame 200 includes an example central frame (e.g., a baseframe) 202 coupled between example first and second end frames 204, 206.The example of FIG. 2A further includes example wheels 208A, 208B, 208C,208D coupled to the respective first and second end frames 204, 206.Example battery packs 210 are positioned in the central frame 202. Whilethirteen of the battery packs 210 are shown in this example, a differentnumber of the battery packs 210 may be used instead. In this example,the first end frame 204 is a front frame proximate a front end of thevehicle 100, and the second end frame 206 is a rear frame proximate arear end of the vehicle 100. In other examples, the first end frame 204is proximate the rear end of the vehicle 100, and the second end frame206 is proximate the front end of the vehicle 100.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 2A, the reversible frame 200 is in afirst position. When the reversible frame 200 is in the first position,the central frame 202 is at an example first distance 212 from theground and the first and second end frames 204, 206 are at an examplesecond distance 214 from the ground. In this example, the first andsecond end frames 204, 206 are positioned at an offset (e.g., a verticaloffset) relative to the central frame 202, where the offset is in anexample vertical direction 216. As such, when the reversible frame 200is in the first position, the second distance 214 between the ground andthe first and second end frames 204, 206 is greater than the firstdistance 212 between the ground and the central frame 202. In thisexample, when the reversible frame 200 in the first position isimplemented in the vehicle 100, the vehicle 100 is configured for afirst ride height (e.g., a low ride height). In some examples, a firsttype of vehicle body (e.g., a van body) is coupled to the reversibleframe 200 in the first position to produce a first type of vehicle(e.g., a van).

Turning to FIG. 2B, the example reversible frame 200 of FIG. 2A isconfigured for a high ride height of the example vehicle 100 of FIG. 1.In the illustrated example of FIG. 2B, the reversible frame 200 is in asecond position. When the reversible frame 200 is in the secondposition, the central frame 202 is at an example third distance 218 fromthe ground and the first and second end frames 204, 206 are at anexample fourth distance 219 from the ground. In this example, the thirddistance 218 is greater than both the fourth distance 219 and the firstdistance 212 of FIG. 2A. As such, when the reversible frame 200 in thesecond position is implemented in the vehicle 100, the vehicle 100 isconfigured for a second ride height (e.g., a high ride height), wherethe second ride height is greater than the first ride height. In someexamples, a second type of vehicle body (e.g., a truck body) is coupledto the reversible frame 200 in the second position to produce a secondtype of vehicle (e.g., a truck), where the second type of vehicle isdifferent from the first type of vehicle.

In examples disclosed herein, the reversible frame 200 can beselectively configured for the first ride height or the second rideheight by rotating about an example longitudinal axis 220. For example,the reversible frame 200 can move between the first position shown inFIG. 2A and the second position shown in FIG. 2B by rotating 180 degreesabout the longitudinal axis 220.

FIG. 3 illustrates the example reversible frame 200 of FIGS. 2A and/or2B rotated about the example longitudinal axis 220 between the first andsecond positions. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, an example motor(e.g., an electric motor) 302 and example first and second suspensionsystems 304A, 304B are couplable to the reversible frame 200 in both thefirst and second positions. In some examples, the first and secondsuspension systems 304A, 304B are coupled to the first end frame 204 andoperatively coupled to corresponding ones of the first and second wheels208A, 208B. Additionally or alternatively, the first and secondsuspension systems 304A, 304B can be coupled to the second end frame 206and operatively coupled to corresponding ones of the third and fourthwheels 208C, 208D. In some examples, each of the first and second endframes 204, 206 includes mirrored attachment points positioned thereon.In such examples, the mirrored attachment points enable the first andsecond suspension systems 304A, 304B to be coupled to at least one ofthe first or second end frames 204, 206 in a same orientation when thereversible frame 200 is in either one of the first or second positions.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the motor 302 is coupled to thefirst end frame 204 and operatively coupled to the first and secondwheels 208A, 208B. In this example, the motor 302 is powered by thebattery packs 210, and operation of the motor 302 causes correspondingrotation of the first and second wheels 208A, 208B. Additionally oralternatively, the motor 302 can be coupled to the second end frame 206and operatively coupled to the third and fourth wheels 208C, 208D, suchthat operation of the motor 302 causes corresponding rotation of thethird and fourth wheels 208C, 208D. In some examples, multiple ones ofthe motor 302 are coupled to the reversible frame 200 to operate thewheels 208A, 208B, 208C, 208D.

In some examples, the motor 302 is coupled to at least one of the firstor second end frames 204, 206 in a same orientation when the reversibleframe 200 is in either one of the first or second positions. In otherexamples, the motor 302 is in a first orientation when the reversibleframe 200 is in the first position, and the motor 302 is in a secondorientation different from the first orientation when the reversibleframe 200 is in the second position. In some such examples, the motor302 is configured to rotate in a first direction when the reversibleframe 200 is in the first position, and the motor 302 is configured torotate in a second direction when the reversible frame 200 is in thesecond position, where the second direction is opposite the firstdirection.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart representative of an example method 400 to producethe example reversible frame 200 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and/or 3. The examplemethod 400 begins at block 402, at which a ride height of the vehicle100 of FIG. 1 is selected. For example, in response to determining thatthe vehicle 100 is to have a first ride height (e.g., block 402 returnsa result of YES), the process proceeds to block 404. Alternatively, inresponse to determining that the vehicle 100 does not have the firstride height (e.g., block 402 returns a result of NO), the processproceeds to block 406.

At block 404, the example reversible frame 200 is rotated about thelongitudinal axis 220 of FIGS. 2 and/or 3 to a first position. Forexample, the reversible frame 200 is rotated to the first position shownin FIG. 2A, in which the reversible frame 200 is configured for thefirst ride height.

At block 406, the example reversible frame 200 is rotated about thelongitudinal axis 220 to a second position. For example, the reversibleframe 200 is rotated to the second position shown in FIG. 2B, in whichthe reversible frame 200 is configured for the second ride heightgreater than the first ride height.

At block 408, a first type of vehicle body is coupled to the reversibleframe 200. For example, the first type of vehicle body is coupled to thereversible frame 200 when the reversible frame 200 is in the firstposition. In some examples, the first type of vehicle body is a vanbody.

At block 410, a second type of vehicle body is coupled to the reversibleframe 200. For example, the second type of vehicle body is coupled tothe reversible frame 200 when the reversible frame 200 is in the secondposition. In this example, the second type of vehicle body (e.g., atruck body) is different from the first type of vehicle body.

FIG. 5 illustrates a first example configurable vehicle chassis 500 inaccordance with teachings of this disclosure. In the illustrated exampleof FIG. 5, the first configurable vehicle chassis 500 includes anexample central frame (e.g., a base frame) 502, and example batterypacks 504 positioned in the central frame 502. While sixteen of thebattery packs 504 are shown in this example, a different number of thebattery packs 504 may be used instead. In this example, first and secondexample frame subassemblies (e.g., first and second subassemblies) 506A,506B can be coupled to the central frame 502 to configure the firstconfigurable vehicle chassis 500 for a high ride height, and third andfourth example frame subassemblies (e.g., third and fourthsubassemblies) 506C, 506D can be coupled to the central frame 502 toconfigure the configurable central frame 502 for a low ride height. Inthis example, the first and second frame subassemblies 506A, 506B aresubstantially the same, and the third and fourth frame subassemblies506C, 506D are substantially the same. As such, each of the framesubassemblies 506A, 506B, 506C, 506D can be interchangeably coupled toan example front end 507A and/or to an example rear end 507B of thecentral frame 502.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, each of the frame subassemblies506A, 506B, 506C, 506D defines corresponding example wheel axles 508A,508B, 508C, 508D having example wheels 510 coupled thereto. In thisexample, example motors (e.g., electric motors) 512 are coupled on theframe subassemblies 506A, 506B, 506C, 506D and operatively coupled tocorresponding ones of the wheels 510. In some examples, operation of themotors 512 causes rotation of the wheel axles 508A, 508B, 508C, 508Dand/or the corresponding ones of the wheels 510. In this example, themotors 512 are electrically coupled to and/or otherwise powered by thebattery packs 504.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the first and second framesubassemblies 506A, 506B include example first bridge portions (e.g.,upward bridge portions, upwardly angled bridge portions) 514, and thethird and fourth frame subassemblies 506C, 506D include example secondbridge portions (e.g., downward bridge portions, downwardly angledbridge portions) 516. The first and second bridge portions 514, 516 canbe fixed (e.g., bolted, riveted, welded, etc.) to the central frame 502to couple the respective frame subassemblies 506A, 506B, 506C, 506D tothe central frame 502. In this example, the first bridge portions 514are oriented generally upward relative to the first and second wheelaxles 508A, 508B, and the second bridge portions 516 are orientedgenerally downward relative to the third and fourth wheel axles 508C,508D. As such, when the first and second frame subassemblies 506A, 506Bare coupled to the central frame 502, the central frame 502 is at afirst distance from the ground. Further, when the third and fourth framesubassemblies 506C, 506D are coupled to the central frame 502, thecentral frame 502 is at a second distance from the ground, where thefirst distance is greater than the second distance.

FIG. 6A illustrates the first example configurable vehicle chassis 500of FIG. 5 configured for a high ride height of the example vehicle 100of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, the first and secondframe subassemblies 506A, 506B are coupled to the central frame 502 viathe first bridge portions 514. In this example, the central frame 502 isat an example first distance 602 from the ground, and the first andsecond wheel axles 508A, 508B of the respective first and second framesubassemblies 506A, 506B are at an example second distance 604 from theground. In this example, the central frame 502 is positioned at a firstoffset (e.g., a first vertical offset) relative to the first and secondwheel axles 508A, 508B, where the first offset is in an example upwarddirection 606. As such, the first distance 602 between the ground andthe central frame 502 is greater than the second distance 604 betweenthe ground and the first and second wheel axles 508A, 508B. In thisexample, when the first configurable vehicle chassis 500 of theillustrated example of FIG. 6A is implemented in the vehicle 100, thevehicle 100 is configured for a first ride height (e.g., a high rideheight). In some examples, a first type of vehicle body (e.g., a truckbody) is coupled to the first configurable vehicle chassis 500 toproduce a first type of vehicle (e.g., a truck).

Turning to FIG. 6B, the first example configurable vehicle chassis 500of FIG. 5 is configured for a low ride height of the example vehicle 100of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6B, the third and fourthframe subassemblies 506C, 506D are coupled to the central frame 502 viathe second bridge portions 516. In this example, the central frame 502is at an example third distance 608 from the ground, and the third andfourth wheel axles 508C, 508D of the respective third and fourth framesubassemblies 506C, 506D are at an example fourth distance 610 from theground. In this example, the central frame 502 is positioned at a secondoffset (e.g., a second vertical offset) relative to the third and fourthwheel axles 508C, 508D, where the second offset is in an exampledownward direction 612. As such, the third distance 608 between theground and the central frame 502 is less than the fourth distance 610between the ground and the first and second wheel axles 508A, 508B andless than the first distance 602 of FIG. 6A. In this example, when thefirst configurable vehicle chassis 500 of the illustrated example ofFIG. 6B is implemented in the vehicle 100, the vehicle 100 is configuredfor a second ride height (e.g., a low ride height) less than the firstride height. In some examples, a second type of vehicle body (e.g., acar body) is coupled to the first configurable vehicle chassis 500 toproduce a second type of vehicle (e.g., a car). In examples disclosedherein, the first configurable vehicle chassis 500 can be selectivelyconfigured for the first ride height or the second ride height based ona selection of the frame subassemblies 506A, 506B, 506C, 506D coupled tothe central frame 502.

FIG. 7 illustrates a second example configurable vehicle chassis 700 inaccordance with teachings of this disclosure. In the illustrated exampleof FIG. 7, the second configurable vehicle chassis 700 includes thecentral frame 502 couplable to example first and second subassemblies702A, 702B, where the first and second subassemblies 702A, 702B defineexample axles (e.g., wheel axles) 704A, 704B having example wheels 706coupled thereto. In this example, the example motors 512 are mounted onthe first and second subassemblies 702A, 702B and operatively coupled tocorresponding ones of the wheels 706. In some examples, operation of themotors 512 causes rotation of the axles 704A, 704B and/or thecorresponding ones of the wheels 706. In this example, the motors 512are electrically coupled to and/or otherwise powered by the batterypacks 504 positioned on the central frame 502. In this example, thefirst and second subassemblies 702A, 702B are couplable to the centralframe 502 via example upwardly angled or upward bridge portions 708A,708B and/or via example downwardly angled or downward bridge portions710A, 710B.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 7, the second configurable vehiclechassis 700 is configured for a high ride height when the first andsecond subassemblies 702A, 702B are coupled to the central frame 502 viathe upward bridge portions 708A, 708B, and the second configurablevehicle chassis 700 is configured for a low ride height when the firstand second subassemblies 702A, 702B are coupled to the central frame 502via the downward bridge portions 710A, 710B. In this example, the upwardbridge portions 708A, 708B are substantially the same, and the downwardbridge portions 710A, 710B are substantially the same. As such, each ofthe upward and downward bridge portions 708A, 708B, 710A, 710B can beinterchangeably coupled to the front end 507A and/or to the rear end507B of the central frame 502. Each of the upward and downward bridgeportions 708A, 708B, 710A, 710B can be fixed (e.g., bolted, riveted,welded, etc.) between the central frame 502 and one of the first orsecond subassemblies 702A, 702B. In this example, the upward bridgeportions 708A, 708B are oriented generally upward relative to the axles704A, 704B, and the downward bridge portions 710A, 710B are orientedgenerally downward relative to the axles 704A, 704B.

FIG. 8A illustrates the second example configurable vehicle chassis 700of FIG. 7 configured for a high ride height of the example vehicle 100of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example of FIG. 8A, the first and secondsubassemblies 702A, 702B are coupled to the central frame 502 via theupward bridge portions 708A, 708B. In this example, the central frame502 is at an example first height 802 relative to the ground, and theaxles 704A, 704B of the respective first and second subassemblies 702A,702B are at an example second height 804 relative to the ground, wherethe first height 802 is greater than the second height 804. In thisexample, when the second configurable vehicle chassis 700 of theillustrated example of FIG. 8A is implemented in the vehicle 100, thevehicle 100 is configured for a first ride height (e.g., a high rideheight). In some examples, a first type of vehicle body (e.g., a truckbody) is coupled to the second configurable vehicle chassis 700 toproduce a first type of vehicle (e.g., a truck).

Turning to FIG. 8B, the second example configurable vehicle chassis 700of FIGS. 7 and/or 8A is shown configured for a low ride height of theexample vehicle 100 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example of FIG. 8B,the first and second subassemblies 702A, 702B are coupled to the centralframe 502 via the downward bridge portions 710A, 710B. In this example,the central frame 502 is at an example third height 806 relative to theground, where the third height 806 is less than the second height 804 ofthe axles 704A, 704B and, thus, is less than the first height 802 of theillustrated example of FIG. 8B. In this example, when the secondconfigurable vehicle chassis 700 of the illustrated example of FIG. 8Bis implemented in the vehicle 100, the vehicle 100 is configured for asecond ride height (e.g., a low ride height) less than the first rideheight. In some examples, a second type of vehicle body (e.g., a carbody) is coupled to the second configurable vehicle chassis 700 toproduce a second type of vehicle (e.g., a car).

In examples disclosed herein, the second configurable vehicle chassis700 can be selectively configured for the first ride height or thesecond ride height based on a selection of the upward and downwardbridge portions 708A, 708B, 710A, 710B coupled to the central frame 502.In the illustrated example of FIG. 8A, the first height 802 can beadjusted by modifying an example first angle 810 of the upward bridgeportions 708A, 708B relative to the central frame 502. Similarly, in theillustrated example of FIG. 8B, the second height 806 can be adjusted bymodifying an example second angle 812 of the downward bridge portions710A, 710B relative to the central frame 502. In some examples, thefirst and second angles 810, 812 are the same (e.g., less than 30degrees, less than 10 degrees, etc.). In other examples, the first andsecond angles 810, 812 can be different. In some examples, one or moreadditional bridge portions (e.g., third bridge portions, fourth bridgeportions, etc.) are couplable between the first and second subassemblies702A, 702B and the central frame 502. In some examples, each of the oneor more additional bridge portions can be configured for a differentride height.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart representative of an example method 900 to producethe first example configurable vehicle chassis 500 of FIGS. 5, 6A,and/or 6B and/or the second example configurable vehicle chassis 700 ofFIGS. 7, 8A, and/or 8B. The example method 900 begins at block 902, atwhich a ride height of the vehicle 100 of FIG. 1 is selected. Forexample, in response to determining that the vehicle 100 is to have afirst ride height (e.g., block 902 returns a result of YES), the processproceeds to block 904. Alternatively, in response to determining thatthe vehicle 100 is not to have the first ride height and/or is to have asecond ride height less than the first ride height (e.g., block 902returns a result of NO), the process proceeds to block 906.

At block 904, the example first bridge portions 514 of FIGS. 5, 6A,and/or 6B and/or the example upward bridge portions 708A, 708B of FIGS.7, 8A, and/or 8B are coupled to the example central frame 502. Forexample, the first bridge portions 514 of the first and second framesubassemblies 506A, 506B are coupled to (e.g., via one or morefasteners, chemical adhesive, a press-fit, one or more welds, etc.) orotherwise fixed to the central frame 502 to produce the first exampleconfigurable vehicle chassis 500, and the upward bridge portions 708A,708B are coupled to (e.g., via one or more fasteners, chemical adhesive,a press-fit, one or more welds, etc.) or otherwise fixed to the firstand second subassemblies 702A, 702B and to the central frame 502 toproduce the second configurable vehicle chassis 700. In such examples,the vehicle 100 is configured for the first ride height.

At block 906, the example second bridge portions 516 of FIGS. 5, 6A,and/or 6B and/or the example downward bridge portions 710A, 718B ofFIGS. 7, 8A, and/or 8B are coupled to the example central frame 502. Forexample, the second bridge portions 516 of the third and fourth framesubassemblies 506C, 506D are coupled to (e.g., via one or morefasteners, chemical adhesive, a press-fit, one or more welds, etc.) orotherwise fixed to the central frame 502 to produce the first exampleconfigurable vehicle chassis 500, and the downward bridge portions 710A,710B are coupled to (e.g., via one or more fasteners, chemical adhesive,a press-fit, one or more welds, etc.) or otherwise fixed to the firstand second subassemblies 702A, 702B and to the central frame 502 toproduce the second configurable vehicle chassis 700. In such examples,the vehicle 100 is configured for the second ride height less than thefirst ride height.

At block 908, a first type of vehicle body is coupled to the centralframe 502. For example, the first type of vehicle body is coupled to thecentral frame 502 when the vehicle 100 is configured for the first rideheight. In some examples, the first type of vehicle body is a car body.

At block 910, a second type of vehicle body is coupled to the centralframe 502. For example, the second type of vehicle body is coupled tothe central frame 502 when the vehicle 100 is configured for the secondride height. In this example, the second type of vehicle body (e.g., atruck body) is different from the first type of vehicle body.

FIG. 10 illustrates example wheel assembly mounts 1010A, 1010B, 1010C,1010D in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. The examplevehicle chassis 1000 of FIG. 10 includes an example vehicle frame 1002,example battery packs 1004, an example rail portion 1006 of the vehicleframe 1002, example wheel assemblies 1008A, 1008B, 1008C, 1008D, theexample wheel assembly mounts 1010A, 1010B, 1010C, 1010D, and exampleapertures 1012A, 1012B. In the illustrated example of FIG. 10, the wheelassembly mounts 1010A, 1010B, 1010C, 1010D are coupled to the wheelassemblies 1008A, 1008B, 1008C, 1008D, respectively. The wheelassemblies 1008A, 1008B, 1008C, 1008D include the wheels, brakes,suspension, wheel bearings, etc. The wheel assembly mounts 1010A, 1010B,1010C, 1010D are coupled to the vehicle frame 1002 via the apertures(e.g., the example apertures 1012A, 1012B) included in the rail portions(e.g., the example rail portion 1006) of the vehicle frame 1002. Forexample, the wheel assembly mount 1010A is positioned in the apertures1012A, 1012B included in the rail portion 1006 of the vehicle frame1002. Each of the wheel assembly mounts 1010A, 1010B, 1010C, 1010D ispositionable in any of the wheel assembly locations of the vehicle frame1002 (e.g., rail portions of the vehicle frame 1002 that includeapertures). In the illustrated example, the wheel assembly mounts 1010A,1010B, 1010C, 1010D are positionable in the wheel assembly locations ofthe vehicle frame 1002 to raise and lower the ride height of the vehicle100 of FIG. 1. For example, the wheel assembly mount 1010A can bepositioned in a first position in the apertures 1012A, 1012B to raisethe ride height and in a second position in the apertures 1012A, 1012Bto lower the ride height. The wheel assembly mount 1010A is described infurther detail below in connection with FIGS. 11A and 11B.

FIG. 11A illustrates the example wheel assembly mount 1010A of FIG. 10configured for a low ride height (shown in solid lines) and a high rideheight (shown in dashed lines) of the example vehicle 100 of FIG. 1. Thewheel assembly mount 1010A of FIG. 11A includes an example plate 1102,an example first protrusion 1104, an example second protrusion 1106, anexample first position 1108 corresponding to the low ride height, and anexample second position 1110 corresponding to the high ride height. Inthe illustrated example, the plate 1102 has a rectangular shape.However, the plate 1102 may be any other shape suitable forattaching/coupling to the example vehicle frame 1002 of FIG. 10. Theplate 1102 includes the first protrusion 1104 and the second protrusion1106. The first protrusion 1104 and the second protrusion 1106 extendaway from a surface 1107 of the plate 1102 and toward the vehicle frame1002. In the illustrated example, the first protrusion 1104 and thesecond protrusion 1106 are pins that are cylindrically shaped. In someexamples, the first protrusion 1104 and the second protrusion 1106 areshaped to fit in apertures included in the vehicle frame 1002. However,in other examples, the plate 1102 may include apertures and the vehicleframe 1002 may include the protrusions (e.g., the first protrusion 1104and the second protrusion 1106).

In the illustrated example of FIG. 11A, the wheel assembly mount 1010Acan be positioned in the first position 1108 or the second position1110. The first position 1108 provides a first ride height of thevehicle frame 1002 and the second position 1110 provides a second rideheight of the vehicle frame 1002. In the illustrated example, the firstride height is less than the second ride height. In other words, thefirst position 1108 provides a low ride height and the second position1110 provides a high ride height. In the illustrated example, the firstposition 1108 positions a longitudinal axis 1112 of the wheel assemblymount 1010A horizontally and the second position 1110 positions thelongitudinal axis 1112 of the wheel assembly mount 1010A vertically. Inthe first position 1108, the first protrusion 1104 and the secondprotrusion 1106 are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the vehicleframe (e.g., horizontally aligned). In the second position 1110, thefirst protrusion 1104 and the second protrusion 1106 are verticallyaligned where the first protrusion 1104 is positioned higher than thesecond protrusion 1106.

FIG. 11B illustrates the example wheel assembly mount 1010A of FIG. 10coupled to the example rail portion 1006 of the example vehicle frame1002 of FIG. 10 for a low ride height of the example vehicle 100 ofFIG. 1. In the illustrated example of FIG. 11B, the wheel assembly mount1010A is positioned in the first position 1108 for a low ride height.The illustrated example of FIG. 11B further includes the exampleapertures 1012A, 1012B. The apertures 1012A, 1012B are adjacent to thewheel assembly location on the vehicle frame 1002 (e.g., on the railportion 1006). In the illustrated example, the apertures 1012A, 1012Bare through holes in the rail portion 1006. However, in other examples,the apertures 1012A, 1012B may be dead-ended openings in the railportion 1006. In the illustrated example, the first protrusion 1104 andthe second protrusion 1106 are inserted in the corresponding apertures1012A, 1012B. The wheel assembly mount 1010A (coupled with the wheelassembly 1008A) is coupled to the rail portion 1006 via the firstprotrusion 1104, the second protrusion 1106, and the apertures 1012A,1012B in the first position 1108 to provide a low ride height for thevehicle 100. In some examples, the first protrusion 1104 and the secondprotrusion 1106 are inserted in the apertures 1012A, 1012B and theprotrusions 1104, 1106 are welded to the rail portion 1006 to couple thewheel assembly mount 1010A to the rail portion 1006. In the illustratedexamples of FIGS. 11A and 11B, the wheel assembly mount 1010A isillustrated as including two protrusions (e.g., the first protrusion1104 and the second protrusion 1106) that are coupled to twocorresponding apertures (e.g., the apertures 1012A, 1012B). However, thewheel assembly mount 1010A may include any number of protrusions and therail portion 1006 of the vehicle frame 1002 may include any number ofcorresponding apertures. In some examples, the wheel assembly mount1010A may be positioned in more than two positions related to the numberof protrusions and corresponding apertures included in the rail portion1006 of the vehicle frame 1002. In such examples, the wheel assemblymount 1010A may be positioned for two or more different ride heights.For example, the wheel assembly mount 1010A may be positioned in threedifferent positions using the three protrusions to achieve a low rideheight, a middle ride height, and a high ride height. In some examples,the rail portion 1006 of the vehicle frame 1002 contains sufficientapertures to engage all protrusions in all positions (e.g., the numberof apertures is equal to the number of protrusions multiplied by thenumber of positions (A=Pr*Po), where A is the number of apertures, Pr isthe number of protrusions, and Po is the number of positions). However,in some examples, the rail portion 1006 of the vehicle frame 1002 doesnot have the number of apertures equal to the number of protrusionsmultiplied by the number of positions, and apertures may be reused inall or some positions (e.g., low ride height, middle ride height, highride height, etc.).

FIG. 11C illustrates an example alternative wheel assembly mount 1116and alternative rail portion 1118 of the frame 1002 for an adjustableride height of the example vehicle 100 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 11A and 11Billustrate the wheel assembly mount 1010A as including the plate 1102with discrete protrusions (e.g., first protrusion 1104 and the secondprotrusion 1106) coupled to discrete apertures (e.g., apertures 1012A,1012B). The alternative wheel assembly mount 1116 of FIG. 11C includesan example plate 1120 and example mount through hole groups 1122A,1122B, and the example alternative rail portion 1118 of FIG. 11Cincludes example frame through hole groups 1124A, 1124B, 1124C. Theplate 1120 includes the mount through hole groups 1122A, 1122B, whichare each illustrated as three through holes positioned near each other.However, the mount through hole groups 1122A, 1122B can include anynumber of through holes and be positioned in any appropriate pattern.Although the plate 1120 of the alternative wheel assembly mount 1116 isillustrated as including two through hole groups (e.g., the mountthrough hole groups 1122A, 1122B), the plate 1120 can include any numberof through hole groups. In the illustrated example, the alternative railportion 1118 includes the frame through hole groups 1124A, 1124B, 1124C,which are each illustrated as three through holes positioned near eachother. However, the frame through hole groups 1124A, 1124B, 1124C caninclude any number of through holes and be positioned in any appropriatepattern. Although the alternative rail portion 1118 is illustrated asincluding three through hole groups (e.g., the frame through hole groups1124A, 1124B, 1124C), alternative rail portion 1118 can include anynumber of through hole groups.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 11C, the alternative wheel assemblymount 1116 is coupled to the alternative rail portion 1118 via the mountthrough hole groups 1122A, 1122B and the frame through hole groups1124A, 1124B, 1124C. In the illustrated example, at least one of themount through hole groups 1122A, 1122B can be aligned with any one ofthe corresponding frame through hole groups 1124A, 1124B, 1124C toprovide different right heights for the vehicle 100. For example, themount through hole groups 1122A, 1122B can be aligned with the framethrough hole groups 1124A, 1124C to provide a first ride height for thevehicle 100, and the mount through hole groups 1122A, 1122B can bealigned with the frame through hole groups 1124A, 1124B to provide asecond ride height for the vehicle 100. In some examples, once thedesired mount through hole groups 1122A, 1122B are aligned with thedesired frame through hole groups 1124A, 1124B, 1124C, the plate 1120 ofthe alternative wheel assembly mount 1116 and the alternative railportion 1118 are coupled via mechanical, non-permanent attachmentmethods (e.g., bolts, fasteners, etc.). In the illustrated examples ofFIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C, the connections between the wheel assemblymounts (e.g., the wheel assembly mount 1010A and the alternative wheelassembly mount 1116) and the rail portions (e.g., the rail portion 1006and the alternative rail portion 1118) of the frame 1002 are independentof axel connections from a motor in the wheel assembly (e.g., the wheelassembly 1008A) to a hub of the vehicle 100.

FIG. 12A illustrates example wheel assembly mounts coupled to theexample vehicle frame 1002 of FIG. 10 for a low ride height of theexample vehicle 100 of FIG. 1. The illustrated example of FIG. 12Aincludes the example wheel assembly mount 1010A of FIGS. 10, 11A, and11B and the example wheel assembly mount 1010C of FIG. 10 in the examplefirst position 1108 for a low ride height. The illustrated example ofFIG. 12A includes the example wheel assembly 1008A and the example wheelassembly 1008C coupled to the wheel assembly mount 1010A and the wheelassembly mount 1010C, respectively. In the illustrated example, thewheel assembly mount 1010A and the wheel assembly mount 1010C arecoupled to the vehicle frame 1002 via apertures. For example, the firstprotrusion 1104 and the second protrusion 1106 of the wheel assemblymount 1010A are inserted through the apertures 1012A, 1012B,respectively, and the first protrusion 1104 and the second protrusion1106 are welded to the apertures 1012A, 1012B. In FIG. 12A, the wheelassembly mount 1010C also includes protrusions inserted in correspondingapertures, however these protrusions and apertures are not illustratedin the perspective view of FIG. 12A. In the illustrated example, thefirst protrusion 1104 and the second protrusion 1106 lie along a firstaxis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of thevehicle frame 1002. The first protrusion 1104 and the second protrusion1106 extend toward the vehicle frame 1002 and are positioned in theapertures 1012A, 1012B in the first position 1108 to provide a firstride height (e.g., low ride height) of the vehicle frame 1002.

FIG. 12B illustrates example wheel assembly mounts coupled to theexample vehicle frame 1002 of FIG. 10 for a high ride height of theexample vehicle 100 of FIG. 1. The illustrated example of FIG. 12Bincludes the example wheel assembly mount 1010A and the example wheelassembly mount 1010C in the example second position 1110 for a high rideheight. The illustrated example of FIG. 12B includes the example wheelassembly 1008A and the example wheel assembly 1008C coupled to the wheelassembly mount 1010A and the wheel assembly mount 1010C, respectively.In the illustrated example, the wheel assembly mount 1010A and the wheelassembly mount 1010C are coupled to the vehicle frame 1002 viaapertures. For example, the first protrusion 1104 of the wheel assemblymount 1010A is inserted through the aperture 1012B, and the firstprotrusion 1104 and the aperture 1012B are welded together to couple thewheel assembly mount 1010A to the rail portion 1006 of the vehicle frame1002.

In the illustrated example, the first protrusion 1104 and the secondprotrusion 1106 (not visible in the perspective view of FIG. 12B) liealong a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the vehicle frame 1002. The first protrusion 1104and the second protrusion 1106 extend toward the vehicle frame 1002, andthe first protrusion 1104 is positioned in the aperture 1012B (theaperture 1012A is left empty) in the second position 1110 to provide asecond ride height (e.g., high ride height) of the vehicle frame 1002.In the illustrated example, the first protrusion 1104 and the aperture1012B are coupled in the second position 1110 to prevent rotation of thewheel assembly mount 1010A. However, the vehicle frame 1002 can includeany number of apertures to be used to couple the wheel assembly mount1010A to the vehicle frame 1002 in the second position 1110. Forexample, the vehicle frame 1002 can include an additional aperture thatis aligned with a longitudinal axis of the aperture 1012B, and thesecond protrusion 1106 can be positioned in the additional aperture inthe second position 1110. In FIG. 12B, the wheel assembly mount 1010Calso includes protrusions where one protrusion is inserted in acorresponding aperture (leaving the aperture 1202 empty) or more thanone protrusion is inserted in more than one corresponding aperture,however these protrusions and aperture(s) are not illustrated in theperspective view of FIG. 12B.

FIG. 13A illustrates the example vehicle frame 1002 of FIG. 10 asconfigured using the example wheel assembly mount 1010C of FIG. 12B fora high ride height of the example vehicle 100 of FIG. 1. The illustratedexample of FIG. 13A includes the example wheel assembly mount 1010C andthe example wheel assembly mount 1010D in the second position 1110 for ahigh ride height, as illustrated in FIG. 12B. The illustrated example ofFIG. 13A includes the example wheel assembly 1008C and the example wheelassembly 1008D coupled to the wheel assembly mount 1010C and the wheelassembly mount 1010D, respectively. In the illustrated example, oneaperture is used for coupling the wheel assembly mount 1010C and thewheel assembly mount 1010D to the vehicle frame 1002 (e.g., the exampleaperture 1202 and an example aperture 1304 are empty). However, in someexamples, any number of apertures can be used for coupling the wheelassembly mount 1010C and the wheel assembly mount 1010D to the vehicleframe 1002 in the second position 1110. The illustrated example of FIG.13A includes an example first distance 1302 that illustrates the highride height achieved by having the wheel assembly mount 1010C and thewheel assembly mount 1010D in the second position 1110. The firstdistance 1302 illustrates the distance between the base of the vehicleframe 1002 and the ground at the second position 1110.

FIG. 13B illustrates the example vehicle frame 1002 of FIG. 10 asconfigured using the example wheel assembly mount 1010C of FIG. 12A fora low ride height of the example vehicle of FIG. 1. The illustratedexample of FIG. 13B includes the example wheel assembly mount 1010C andthe example wheel assembly mount 1010D in the first position 1108 for ahigh ride height, as illustrated in FIG. 12A. The illustrated example ofFIG. 13B includes the example wheel assembly 1008C and the example wheelassembly 1008D coupled to the wheel assembly mount 1010C and the wheelassembly mount 1010D, respectively. In the illustrated example, bothcorresponding apertures are used for coupling the wheel assembly mount1010C and the wheel assembly mount 1010D to the vehicle frame 1002 (noapertures are visible in the perspective view of FIG. 13B). Theillustrated example of FIG. 13B includes an example second distance 1306that illustrates the low ride height achieved by having the wheelassembly mount 1010C and the wheel assembly mount 1010D in the firstposition 1108. The second distance 1306 illustrates the distance betweenthe base of the vehicle frame 1002 and the ground at the first position1108. In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 13A and 13B, the firstdistance 1302 is greater than the second distance 1306.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart representative of an example method 1400 toconfigure a ride height of a vehicle using the example wheel assemblymounts 1010A, 1010B, 1010C, 1010D of FIGS. 10, 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 13Aand/or 13B. The example method 1400 begins at block 1402 at which theexample wheel assembly mount (e.g., the wheel assembly mounts 1010A,1010B, 1010C, 1010D) is oriented for a selected ride height. The wheelassembly mounts 1010A, 1010B, 1010C, 1010D include protrusions (e.g.,the example first protrusion 1104 and/or the example second protrusion1106) that extend toward the vehicle frame. In some examples, theprotrusions of the wheel assembly mounts 1010A, 1010B, 1010C, 1010D areoriented for the selected ride height. In examples disclosed herein, theselected ride height can be a first ride height of the vehicle frame(e.g., a low ride height) or a second ride height of the vehicle frame(e.g., a high ride height).

At block 1404, example protrusion(s) (e.g., the example first protrusion1104 and/or the example second protrusion 1106) of the example wheelassembly mount (e.g., the wheel assembly mounts 1010A, 1010B, 1010C,1010D) are aligned with corresponding aperture(s) (e.g., the exampleapertures 1012A, 1012B) in the vehicle frame 1002. In some examples, theprotrusion(s) (e.g., the first protrusion 1104 and/or the secondprotrusion 1106) are aligned with apertures adjacent to each of aplurality of wheel assembly locations on the vehicle frame 1002 (e.g.,the apertures 1012A, 1012B). The protrusion(s) (e.g., the firstprotrusion 1104 and/or the second protrusion 1106) are positionable inthe apertures (e.g., the apertures 1012A, 1012B) in a position (e.g.,the first position 1108 or the second position 1110) to provide theselected ride heigh of the vehicle frame 1002. For example, the firstprotrusion 1104 and the second protrusion 1106 are aligned with thecorresponding apertures 1012A, 1012B in the first position 1108 toprovide the first ride height (low ride height), and the firstprotrusion 1104 is aligned with the corresponding aperture 1012B in thesecond position 1110 to provide the second ride height (high rideheight), as illustrated in FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B. For the firstposition 1108, the protrusion(s) (e.g., the example first protrusion1104 and/or the example second protrusion 1106) are aligned with theaperture(s) (e.g., the apertures 1012A, 1012B) along a first axis thatis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame1002. For the second position 1110, the protrusion(s) (e.g., the examplefirst protrusion 1104 and/or the example second protrusion 1106) arealigned with the aperture(s) (e.g., the apertures 1012A, 1012B) along asecond axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axisof the vehicle frame 1002.

At block 1406, the example protrusion(s) (e.g., the example firstprotrusion 1104 and/or the example second protrusion 1106) are coupledto the aperture(s) (e.g., the example apertures 1012A, 1012B). The wheelassembly mounts 1010A, 1010B, 1010C, 1010D are coupled to the vehicleframe 1002 via the coupling of the protrusion(s) (e.g., the firstprotrusion 1104 and/or the second protrusion 1106) and the aperture(s)(e.g., the apertures 1012A, 1012B).

FIG. 15 illustrates an example chassis 1500 having example electricmotorized wheel assemblies 1508A, 1508B, 1508C, 1508D in accordance withthe teachings of this disclosure. The example vehicle chassis 1500 ofFIG. 15 includes an example vehicle frame 1502, example battery packs1504, an example center subframe 1506, and the example wheel assemblies1508A, 1508B, 1508C, 1508D. In the illustrated example of FIG. 15, thewheel assemblies 1508A, 1508B, 1508C, 1508D are coupled to the centersubframe 1506 of the vehicle frame 1502. In examples disclosed herein,each of the wheel assemblies 1508A, 1508B, 1508C, 1508D includes awheel, an electric motor, a suspension assembly, and a frame mountinginterface, which are discussed in further detail below in connectionwith FIG. 16A. The wheel assemblies 1508A, 1508B, 1508C, 1508D arecouplable to the center subframe 1506 via the frame mounting interface.

In the illustrated example, the vehicle frame 1502 includes the batterypacks 1504. In examples disclosed herein, the battery packs 1504 powerthe electric motor of each of the wheel assemblies 1508A, 1508B, 1508C,1508D. In the illustrated example, the wheel, the electric motor, thesuspension assembly, and the frame mounting interface of the wheelassemblies 1508A, 1508B, 1508C, 1508D are interchangeable for differentconfigurations (e.g., size, geometry, etc.). In the illustrated example,the swappable or interchangeable components (e.g., the wheel, theelectric motor, the suspension assembly, and the frame mountinginterface) of the wheel assemblies 1508A, 1508B, 1508C, 1508D havecommon attachment and packaging strategies, which allows ride andperformance needs to be met for the vehicle 100 while reducing thenumber of parts and complexity of manufacturing.

FIG. 16A illustrates the example wheel assembly 1508A of FIG. 15configured for the example vehicle 100 of FIG. 1. The example wheelassembly 1508A of FIG. 16A includes an example wheel 1602, an examplesuspension assembly 1604, an example electric motor 1606, and an exampleframe mounting interface 1608. In the illustrated example, the wheel1602, the suspension assembly 1604, the electric motor 1606, and theframe mounting interface 1608 are interchangeable with other suspensionassemblies, electric motors, and frame mounting interfaces,respectively. For example, each of the wheel 1602, the suspensionassembly 1604, the electric motor 1606, and the frame mounting interface1608 are variable in size and/or geometry. For example, the electricmotor 1606 can be interchanged with different sized electric motors, thegeometry of the suspension assembly 1604 can be changed to adjust rideheight for the vehicle 100, the dampening in the suspension assembly1604 can be changed for different terrain, etc. In the illustratedexample, the wheel assembly 1508A is configured to easily switch out thecomponents (the wheel 1602, the suspension assembly 1604, the electricmotor 1606, and the frame mounting interface 1608) to allow forcustomization of the vehicle 100 to meet performance needs and ridequality expectations.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 16A, the wheel 1602, the suspensionassembly 1604, the electric motor 1606, and the frame mounting interface1608 are coupled in the wheel assembly 1508A. In some examples, theelectric motor 1606 is operatively coupled to the wheel 1602. In suchexamples, the operation of the electric motor 1606 causes rotation ofthe wheel 1602. In the illustrated example, the wheel assembly 1508A(including the wheel 1602, the suspension assembly 1604, and theelectric motor 1606) is connected to the center subframe 1506 via theframe mounting interface 1608, which is described in further detailbelow in connection with FIG. 16B. In the illustrated example, the framemounting interface 1608 is illustrated as a beam. However, the framemounting interface 1608 can be implemented as a bar, a plate, a bracket,etc. In some examples, the frame mounting interface 1608 includesmounting points for suspension links and dampers in the wheel assembly1508A (not visible in the illustrated example of FIG. 16A).

FIG. 16B illustrates the example wheel assembly 1508B of FIG. 15 coupledto the example vehicle frame 1502 of FIG. 15. The example wheel assembly1508B of FIG. 16B includes an example wheel 1610, an example suspensionassembly 1612, an example electric motor 1614, and an example framemounting interface 1616. In examples disclosed herein, the wheel 1610,the suspension assembly 1612, the electric motor 1614, and the framemounting interface 1616 are the same as the wheel 1602, the suspensionassembly 1604, the electric motor 1606, and the frame mounting interface1608 of FIG. 16A. In the illustrated example of FIG. 16B, the wheelassembly 1508B (including the wheel 1610, the suspension assembly 1612,and the electric motor 1614) is connected to the center subframe 1506via the frame mounting interface 1616.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 16B, the frame mounting interface1616 is coupled to the center subframe 1506 of the vehicle frame 1502 byaligning the frame mounting interface 1616 on an example top surface1618 of the center subframe 1506. In some examples, the frame mountinginterface 1616 is coupled to the center subframe 1506 of the vehicleframe 1502 via welding, bolts, etc. In the illustrated example, thewheel assembly 1508B is connected to the center subframe 1506 via theframe mounting interface 1616 to allow for variability in size,geometry, etc. between the vehicle frame 1502 and the components of thewheel assembly 1508B (the wheel 1610, the suspension assembly 1612, theelectric motor 1614, and the frame mounting interface 1616) without theneed for traditional axle connections from the center of the wheelassembly 1508B containing the electric motor 1614.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart representative of an example method 1700 toconfigure the example wheel assemblies 1508A, 1508B, 1508C, 1508D ofFIGS. 15, 16A, and/or 16B. The example method 1700 begins at block 1702at which the example wheel assembly components are selected. In examplesdisclosed in, the wheel assembly components include a wheel (e.g., theexample wheel 1602 and the example wheel 1610), an electric motor (e.g.,the example electric motor 1606 and the example electric motor 1614), asuspension assembly (e.g., the example suspension assembly 1604 and theexample suspension assembly 1612), and the frame mounting interface(e.g., the example frame mounting interface 1608 and the example framemounting interface 1616). In some examples, the wheel assemblycomponents are interchangeable in the wheel assembly (e.g., the wheelassemblies 1508A, 1508B, 1508C, 1508D). In some examples, each of thewheel (e.g., the example wheels 1602, 1610), the electric motor (e.g.,the example electric motors 1606, 1614), the suspension assembly (e.g.,the example suspension assemblies 1604, 1612), and the frame mountinginterface (e.g., the example frame mounting interfaces 1608, 1616) arevariable in size and/or geometry. In some examples, the operator of thevehicle 100 can selects the different components for the wheel assembly(e.g., the wheel assemblies 1508A, 1508B, 1508C, 1508D) to meetperformance and ride requirements.

At block 1704, the example frame mounting interface (e.g., the exampleframe mounting interfaces 1608, 1616) of the wheel assembly (e.g., thewheel assemblies 1508A, 1508B, 1508C, 1508D) is aligned with the centersubframe (e.g., the center subframe 1506) of the vehicle 100. In someexamples, the frame mounting interface (e.g., the example frame mountinginterfaces 1608, 1616) is aligned on a top surface (e.g., the exampletop surface 1618) of the center subframe 1506 of the vehicle frame 1502.

At block 1706, the example frame mounting interface (e.g., the exampleframe mounting interfaces 1608, 1616) of the wheel assembly (e.g., thewheel assemblies 1508A, 1508B, 1508C, 1508D) is coupled to the centersubframe (e.g., the center subframe 1506) of the vehicle 100. In someexamples, the frame mounting interface (e.g., the example frame mountinginterfaces 1608, 1616) is coupled to the center subframe 1506 of thevehicle frame 1502 via welding, bolts, etc. In some examples, the wheelassembly (e.g. the wheel assemblies 1508A, 1508B, 1508C, 1508D) isconnected to the center subframe 1506 via the frame mounting interface(e.g., the example frame mounting interfaces 1608, 1616) to allow forvariability in size, geometry, etc. between the vehicle frame 1502 andthe components of the wheel assembly (e.g., the wheel assemblies 1508A,1508B, 1508C, 1508D) without the need for traditional axle connectionsfrom the center of the wheel assembly.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of an example vehicle chassis 1800 in whichthe teachings of this disclosure can be implemented. The vehicle chassis1800 includes an example first crossmember 1801A, an example secondcrossmember 1801B, an example third crossmember 1801C, and an examplefourth crossmember 1801D, an example first side rail 1802A, an examplesecond side rail 1802B, an example third side rail 1802C, and an examplefourth side rail 1802D. The vehicle chassis 1800 is generally dividedinto an example front chassis portion 1804, an example rear chassisportion 1806, and an example battery platform 1808. In the illustratedexample of FIG. 18, the front chassis portion 1804 is coupled to anexample first electric motor 1810A, an example first suspension assembly1812A, an example second suspension assembly 1812B, an example firstwheel 1814A, and an example second wheel 1814B. In the illustratedexample of FIG. 18, the rear chassis portion 1806 is coupled to anexample second electric motor 1810B, an example third suspensionassembly 1812C, an example fourth suspension assembly 1812D, an examplethird wheel 1814C, and an example fourth wheel 1814D. In the illustratedexample of FIG. 18, the battery platform 1808 includes an examplecentral battery array 1815, an example first side battery array 1816A,and an example second battery array 1816B. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 18, the vehicle chassis 1800 includes a perimeter frame. In otherexamples, the teachings of this disclosure can be applied on any othersuitable type of vehicle frame (e.g., a ladder frame, a unibody frame,etc.).

The crossmembers 1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D extend generally laterallybetween the driver and passenger sides of the chassis 1800. Thecrossmembers 1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D increase the strength of thechassis 1800 and protect vehicle components (e.g., the electric motors1810A, 1810B, the suspension assemblies 1812A, 1812B, 1812C, 1812D,etc.). In some examples, the crossmembers 1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801Dinclude additional features (e.g., bolt holes, weld surfaces, etc.) thatenable additional vehicle components to be coupled thereto. In theillustrated example of FIG. 18, the vehicle chassis 1800 includes fourcrossmembers (e.g., the crossmembers 1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D, etc.).In other examples, the vehicle chassis 1800 includes a differentquantity of crossmembers (e.g., two cross members, four cross members,etc.). The crossmembers 1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D can be composed ofsteel, aluminum, and/or any other suitable material(s). The coupling ofthe crossmembers 1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D within the chassis 1800 isdescribed in greater detail below in conjunction with FIG. 19.

The side rails 1802A, 1802B, 1802C, 1802D extend longitudinally betweenthe front chassis portion 1804 and the rear chassis portion 1806. In theillustrated example of FIG. 18, the vehicle chassis 1800 includes fourside rails (e.g., the side rails 1802A, 1802B, 1802C, 1802D, etc.). Inother examples, the vehicle chassis 1800 includes a different quantityof side rails (e.g., two side rails, four side rails, etc.). The siderails 1802A, 1802B, 1802C, 1802D can be composed of steel, aluminum,and/or any other suitable material(s). The coupling of the side rails1802A, 1802B, 1802C, 1802D within the chassis 1800 is described ingreater detail below in conjunction with FIG. 19.

The crossmembers 1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D, and the side rails 1802A,1802B, 1802C, 1802D can be of variable size depending on the type and/ormodel of the vehicle. For example, longer or shorter crossmembers 1801A,1801B, 1801C, 1801D can be selected to change the lateral size of thevehicle chassis 1800. Similarly, longer or shorter side rails 1802A,1802B, 1802C, 1802D can be selected to change the longitudinal size ofthe vehicle chassis 1800. As such, by varying the size of thecrossmembers 1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D and side rails 1802A, 1802B,1802C, 1802D, the footprint of the vehicle chassis 1800 can be scaledwithout changing the other components of the chassis 1800, which enablesshared components to be utilized on differently sized vehicle chassis.The selection of differently sized crossmembers and side rails isdescribed in greater detail below in conjunction with FIG. 19. Exampleconfigurations of the vehicle chassis 1800 using differently sizedcrossmembers and side rails are described below in conjunction withFIGS. 20A and FIG. 20B.

In other examples, the crossmembers 1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D and/orthe side rails 1802A, 1802B, 1802C, 1802D include features (e.g.,slidable rails, telescoping features, etc.) that enable lengthadjustment (e.g., extension, contraction, etc.) of the crossmembers1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D and/or the side rails 1802A, 1802B, 1802C,1802D. An example vehicle chassis including adjustable crossmembers andadjustable side rails is described below in conjunction with FIG. 21.Example structural members including adjustable features are describedbelow in conjunction with FIGS. 22A and 22B.

The front chassis portion 1804 includes the components of the chassis1800 forward of the battery platform 1808. The rear chassis portion 1806includes the components of the chassis 1800 rearward of the batteryplatform 1808. The front and rear chassis portions 1804, 1806 can becomposed of smaller chassis portions coupled via the crossmembers 1801A,1801B, 1801C, 1801D. An example implementation of the chassis portions1804, 1806 variable size is described below in conjunction with FIGS.23-24B.

The electric motors 1810A, 1810B are powertrain components that convertelectric power provided by the batteries of the battery arrays 1815,1816A, 1816B into mechanical energy that drives the wheels 1814A, 1814B,1814C, 1814D. In some examples, the parameters of the electric motors1810A, 1810B (e.g., horsepower, torque, size, etc.) are chosen based onthe configuration of the chassis 1800 (e.g., the length of thecrossmembers 1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D and/or the side rails 1802A,1802B, 1802C, 1802D, etc.) and/or the model of the vehicle associatedwith the chassis 1800. In other examples, the electric motors 1810A,1810B are absent. In such examples, other powertrain components (e.g.,one or more combustion engine(s), etc.) can be coupled between thecrossmembers 1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D.

The batteries of the battery arrays 1815, 1816A, 1816B are EV batteries.The batteries of the battery arrays 1815, 1816A, 1816B provide power tothe electric motors 1810A, 1810B. In other examples, if the vehiclechassis 1800 is associated with a hybrid vehicle, the batteries of thebattery arrays 1815, 1816A, 1816B supplement the power generated by acombustion engine of the vehicle chassis 1800. The central battery array1815 is disposed between the second side rail 1802B and the third siderail 1802C. The first side battery array 1816A is disposed between thefirst side rail 1802A and the second side rail 1802B. The second sidebattery array 1816B is disposed between the third side rail 1802C andthe fourth side rail 1802D. In some examples, additional batteries aredisposed within the chassis 1800 (e.g., in the front chassis portion1804, in the rear chassis portion 1806, etc.). In some examples, theside battery arrays 1816A, 1816B are absent (e.g., in examples with twoside rails, etc.). Example chassis configurations including additionalbatteries are described below in conjunction with FIGS. 23, 24A, and24B.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an example vehicle chassis 1900 withthe different width and length configurations. In the illustratedexample of FIG. 19, the front chassis portion 1804 includes an exampleright front chassis portion 1902 and an example left front chassisportion 1904. In the illustrated example of FIG. 19, the rear chassisportion 1806 includes an example right rear chassis portion 1906 and anexample left rear chassis portion 1908. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 19, the right front chassis portion 1902 includes an example firstlongitudinal member 1912, an example first flared portion 1914, anexample first crossmember attachment locator 1916, an example secondcrossmember attachment locator 1918, an example first side railattachment locator 1944, and an example second side rail attachmentlocator 1946. In the illustrated example of FIG. 19, the left frontchassis portion 1904 includes an example second longitudinal member1920, an example second flared portion 1922, an example thirdcrossmember attachment locator 1924, an example fourth crossmemberattachment locator 1926, an example third side rail attachment locator1948, and an example fourth side rail attachment locator 1950. In theillustrated example of FIG. 19, the right rear chassis portion 1906includes an example third longitudinal member 1928, an example thirdflared portion 1930, an example fifth crossmember attachment locator1931, an example sixth crossmember attachment locator 1932, an examplefifth side rail attachment locator 1952, and an example sixth side railattachment locator 1954. In the illustrated example of FIG. 19, the leftrear chassis portion 1908 includes an example fourth longitudinal member1934, an example fourth flared portion 1936, an example seventhcrossmember attachment locator 1938, an example eighth crossmemberattachment locator 1940, an example seventh side rail attachment locator1956, and an example eighth side rail attachment locator 1958.

The chassis portions 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908 each include a correspondingone of the longitudinal members 1912, 1920, 1928, 1934 and one of theflared portions 1914, 1922, 1930, 1936. The flared portions 1914, 1922,1930, 1936 can be fully or partially hollow. In other examples, theflared portions 1914, 1922, 1930, 1936 are solid parts. In theillustrated example of FIG. 19, the flared portions 1914, 1922, 1930,1936 are trapezoidal prisms. In other examples, the flared portions1914, 1922, 1930, 1936 can have any other suitable shape (e.g., a forkedstructure, a conical structure, pyramidal structure, a cylindricalstructure, etc.).

In the illustrated example of FIG. 19, the flared portions 1914, 1922are disposed at the respective rearward ends of the longitudinal members1912, 1920. In the illustrated example of FIG. 19, the flared portions1930, 1936 are disposed at the respective forward ends of thelongitudinal members 1928, 1934. In some examples, each of the flaredportions 1914, 1922, 1930, 1936 and the corresponding longitudinalmembers 1912, 1920, 1928, 1934 (e.g., the first flared portion 1914 andthe first longitudinal member 1912, the second flared portion 1922 andthe second longitudinal member 1920, etc.) is a unitary structure. Inother examples, the flared portions 1914, 1922, 1930, 1936 can becoupled to the corresponding longitudinal members 1912, 1920, 1928, 1934via any suitable fastening technique(s) (e.g., welds, press-fit,chemical adhesive, one or fasteners, etc.).

In some examples, to minimize cost and to simplifymanufacturing/assembly, the longitudinal members 1912, 1920, 1928, 1934are of the same design and dimensions. Similarly, in some examples, theflared portions 1914, 1922, 1930, 1936 are of the same design anddimensions. In such examples, the chassis portions 1902, 1904, 1906,1908 include the same parts, which reduces the total number of uniqueparts of the chassis 1900.

The crossmember attachment locators 1916, 1918, 1924, 1926, 1931, 1932,1938, 1940 are features of the chassis portions 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908that enable the coupling of the crossmembers 1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D.That is, the first crossmember attachment locator 1916 and the thirdcrossmember attachment locator 1924 facilitate the coupling of the firstcrossmember 1801A between the first longitudinal member 1912 of theright front chassis portion 1902 and the second longitudinal member 1920of the left front chassis portion 1904. The second crossmemberattachment locator 1918 and the fourth crossmember attachment locator1926 facilitate the coupling of the second crossmember 1801B between thefirst longitudinal member 1912 of the right front chassis portion 1902and the second longitudinal member 1920 of the left front chassisportion 1904. The fifth crossmember attachment locator 1931 and theseventh crossmember attachment locator 1938 facilitate the coupling ofthe third crossmember 1801C between the third longitudinal member 1928of the right rear chassis portion 1906 and the fourth longitudinalmember 1934 of the left rear chassis portion 1908. The sixth crossmemberattachment locator 1932 and the eighth crossmember attachment locator1940 facilitate the coupling of the fourth crossmember 1801D between thethird longitudinal member 1928 of the right rear chassis portion 1906and the fourth longitudinal member 1934 of the left rear chassis portion1908.

The crossmember attachment locators 1916, 1918, 1924, 1926, 1931, 1932,1938, 1940 include one or more feature(s) that enable the coupling ofthe crossmembers 1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D therebetween. For example,the crossmember attachment locators 1916, 1918, 1924, 1926, 1931, 1932,1938, 1940 can include inboard extending protrusions to be coupledwithin an aperture (e.g., the hollow cross-sections of the crossmembers1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D, etc.) of the corresponding crossmembers1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D. In such examples, the protrusions of thecrossmember attachment locators 1916, 1916, 1918, 1924, 1926, 1931,1932, 1938, 1940 may be dimensioned to frictionally engage with theinternal surface of the corresponding apertures of the crossmembers1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D. In other examples, the crossmemberattachment locators 1916, 1918, 1924, 1926, 1931, 1932, 1938, 1940include apertures to receive corresponding outboard extendingprotrusions of the crossmembers 1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D. At thecrossmember attachment locators 1916, 1918, 1924, 1926, 1931, 1932,1938, 1940, the crossmembers 1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D can be coupledto the corresponding chassis portions 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908 via one ormore welds. In other examples, the crossmembers 1801A, 1801B, 1801C,1801D can be coupled to the corresponding chassis portions 1902, 1904,1906, 1908 via any fastening technique (e.g., a fastener, a weld, achemical adhesive, a press-fit, etc.) or combination thereof.Additionally or alternatively, the crossmember attachment locators 1916,1918, 1924, 1926, 1931, 1932, 1938, 1940 can include a bracket and/orother feature that facilitates the coupling of the crossmembers 1801A,1801B, 1801C, 1801D.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 19, the crossmembers 1801A, 1801B,1801C, 1801D are implemented by one of example interchangeablecrossmembers 1942A, 1942B, 1942C, 1942D. The interchangeablecrossmembers 1942A, 1942B, 1942C, 1942D are structural members ofdifferent lengths. That is, the first interchangeable crossmember 1942Ais the longest of the interchangeable crossmembers 1942A, 1942B, 1942C,1942D. The second interchangeable crossmember 1942B is the secondlongest of the interchangeable crossmembers 1942A, 1942B, 1942C, 1942D.The third interchangeable crossmember 1942C is the third longest of theinterchangeable crossmembers 1942A, 1942B, 1942C, 1942D. The fourthinterchangeable crossmember 1942D is the shortest of the interchangeablecrossmembers 1942A, 1942B, 1942C, 1942D. Depending on which of theinterchangeable crossmembers 1942A, 1942B, 1942C, 1942D implements thecrossmembers 1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D, the width of the chassis 1900can be changed. As such, the chassis 1900 supports various widthconfigurations with only the changing of the crossmembers 1801A, 1801B,1801C, 1801D. Two example configurations of the chassis 1900illustrating the use of the first interchangeable crossmember 1942A andthe fourth interchangeable crossmember 1942D are described below inconjunction with FIGS. 20A and 20B, respectively.

The side rail attachment locators 1944, 1946, 1948, 1950, 1952, 1954,1956, 1958 are features of the chassis portions 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908that enable the coupling of the side rails 1802A, 1802B, 1802C, 1802D.That is, the first side rail attachment locator 1944 and the fifth siderail attachment locator 1952 facilitate the coupling of the first siderail 180A between the first flared portion 1914 of the right frontchassis portion 1902 and the third flared portion 1930 of the right rearchassis portion 1906. The second side rail attachment locator 1946 andthe sixth side rail attachment locator 1954 facilitate the coupling ofthe second side rail 1802B between the first flared portion 1914 of theright front chassis portion 1902 and the third flared portion 1930 ofthe right rear chassis portion 1906. The third side rail attachmentlocator 1948 and the seventh side rail attachment locator 1956facilitate the coupling of the third side rail 1802C between the secondflared portion 1922 of the left front chassis portion 1904 and thefourth flared portion 1936 of the left rear chassis portion 1908. Thefourth side rail attachment locator 1950 and the eighth side railattachment locator 1958 facilitate the coupling of the fourth side rail1802D between the second flared portion 1922 of the left front chassisportion 1904 and the fourth flared portion 1936 of the left rear chassisportion 1908.

The side rail attachment locators 1944, 1946, 1948, 1950, 1952, 1954,1956, 1958 include one or more feature(s) that enable the coupling ofthe side rails 1802A, 1802B, 1802C, 1802D therebetween. For example, theside rail attachment locators 1944, 1946, 1948, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1956,1958 can include protrusions to be coupled within correspondingapertures (e.g., the hollow cross-sections of the side rails 1802A,1802B, 1802C, 1802D, etc.) of the corresponding side rails 1802A, 1802B,1802C, 1802D. In such examples, the protrusions of the side railattachment locators 1944, 1946, 1948, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1958 maybe dimensioned to frictionally engage with the internal surface of thecorresponding apertures of the side rails 1802A, 1802B, 1802C, 1802D. Inother examples, the side rail attachment locators 1944, 1946, 1948,1950, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1958 include apertures to receive acorresponding protrusion of the side rails 1802A, 1802B, 1802C, 1802D.At the side rail attachment locators 1944, 1946, 1948, 1950, 1952, 1954,1956, 1958, the side rails 1802A, 1802B, 1802C, 1802D can be coupled tothe corresponding chassis portions 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908 via one ormore welds. In other examples, the side rails 1802A, 1802B, 1802C, 1802Dare coupled to the corresponding chassis portions 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908via any fastening technique (e.g., a fastener, a weld, a chemicaladhesive, a press-fit, etc.) or combination thereof. Additionally oralternatively, the side rail attachment locators 1944, 1946, 1948, 1950,1952, 1954, 1956, 1958 can include a bracket and/or other feature thatfacilitates the coupling of the side rails 1802A, 1802B, 1802C, 1802D.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 19, the side rails 1802A, 1802B,1802C, 1802D are implemented by one of example interchangeable siderails 1960A, 1960B, 1960C, 1960D. The interchangeable side rails 1960A,19 60B, 1960C, 1960D are structural members of different lengths. Thatis, the first interchangeable side rail 1960A is the longest of theinterchangeable side rails 1960A, 1960B, 1960C, 1960D. The secondinterchangeable side rail 1960B is the second longest of theinterchangeable side rails 1960A, 1960B, 1960C, 1960D. The thirdinterchangeable side rail 1960C is the third longest of theinterchangeable side rails 1960A, 1960B, 1960C, 1960D. The fourthinterchangeable side rail 1960D is the shortest of the interchangeableside rails 1960A, 1960B, 1960C, 1960D. Depending on which of theinterchangeable side rails 1960A, 1960B, 1960C, 1960D implements theside rails 1802A, 1802B, 1802C, 1802D, the length of the chassis 1900can be changed. As such, the chassis 1900 supports various lengthconfigurations with only the changing of the side rails 1802A, 1802B,1802C, 1802D. Two example configurations of the chassis 1800illustrating the use of the first interchangeable side rail 1960A andthe fourth interchangeable side rail 1960D are described below inconjunction with FIGS. 20A and 20B, respectively.

FIG. 20A is a top view of an example first configuration 2000 of thechassis 1900. In the illustrated example of FIG. 20A, the firstconfiguration 2000 of the chassis 1900 includes the firstinterchangeable crossmember 1942A implementing each of the crossmembers1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D and the first interchangeable side rail 1960Aimplementing each of the side rails 1802A, 1802B, 1802C, 1802D. In theillustrated example of FIG. 20A, the chassis 1800 has a comparativelylarger width and length, which makes the first configuration 2000suitable for larger vehicles (e.g., SUVs, pick-up trucks, etc.).

FIG. 20B is a top view of an example second configuration 2002 of thechassis 1900. In the illustrated example of FIG. 20B, the secondconfiguration 2002 of the chassis 1800 includes the fourthinterchangeable crossmember 1942D implementing each of the crossmembers1801A, 1801B, 1801C, 1801D and the fourth interchangeable side rail1960D implementing each of the side rails 1802A, 1802B, 1802C, 1802D. Inthe illustrated example of FIG. 20B, the chassis 1800 has acomparatively smaller footprint, which makes the first configuration2000 suitable for smaller vehicles (e.g., compact vehicles, crossovers,etc.).

In some examples, the battery arrays 1815, 1816A, 1816B have differentnumbers of batteries in different configurations of the vehicle chassis1900. In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 20A and 20B, the firstconfiguration 2000 of the vehicle chassis 1900 includes a comparativelygreater number of batteries than the second configuration 2002 of thevehicle chassis 1900. While the configurations 2000, 2002 of FIGS. 20Aand 20B include particular combinations of the interchangeablecrossmembers 1942A, 1942B, 1942C, 1942D and the interchangeable siderails 1960A, 1960B, 1960C, 1960D (e.g., the comparatively short firstinterchangeable crossmember 1942A and the comparatively smaller firstside rail 1960A of FIG. 20A, the comparatively long fourth crossmember1942D, and the comparatively longer fourth side rail 1960D of FIG. 20B,etc.), any combination of the interchangeable crossmembers 1942A, 1942B,1942C, 1942D and the interchangeable side rails 1960A, 1960B, 1960C,1960D can be used with the vehicle chassis 1900. For example, exampleconfigurations of the vehicle chassis 1900 include a comparativelylonger interchangeable crossmember (e.g., the interchangeablecrossmember 1942A, 1942B, etc.) and a comparatively smallerinterchangeable side rail (e.g., the interchangeable side rail 1960C,1960D, etc.) and vice versa.

FIGS. 21-24 depict alternative vehicle chassis that may be used toimplement the teachings of this disclosure that are similar to thosedescribed with reference FIGS. 18-20. When the same element number isused in connection with FIGS. 21-24 as used in FIGS. 18-20, it has thesame meaning unless indicated otherwise.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternative vehicle chassis 2100including adjustable crossmember(s) 2102 and side rail(s) 2104. In theillustrated example of FIG. 21, the vehicle chassis 2100 includes theright front chassis portion 1902, the left front chassis portion 1904,the right rear chassis portion 1906, and the left rear chassis portion1908. In the illustrated example of FIG. 21, the right front chassisportion 1902 includes the example first longitudinal member 1912, theexample first flared portion 1914, the example first crossmemberattachment locator 1916, the example second crossmember attachmentlocator 1918, the example first side rail attachment locator 1944, andthe example second side rail attachment locator 1946. In the illustratedexample of FIG. 21, the left front chassis portion 1904 includes theexample second longitudinal member 1920, the example second flaredportion 1922, the example third crossmember attachment locator 1924, theexample fourth crossmember attachment locator 1926, the example thirdside rail attachment locator 1948, and the example fourth side railattachment locator 1950. In the illustrated example of FIG. 21, theright rear chassis portion 1906 includes the example third longitudinalmember 1928, the example third flared portion 1930, the example fifthcrossmember attachment locator 1931, the example sixth crossmemberattachment locator 1932, the example fifth side rail attachment locator1952, and the example sixth side rail attachment locator 1954. In theillustrated example of FIG. 19, the left rear chassis portion 1908includes the example fourth longitudinal member 1934, the example fourthflared portion 1936, the example seventh crossmember attachment locator1938, the example eighth crossmember attachment locator 1940, theexample seventh side rail attachment locator 1956, and the exampleeighth side rail attachment locator 1958. The adjustable structuralmember that can be used to implement the adjustable crossmember(s) 2102and/or the adjustable side rail(s) 2104 is described below inconjunction with FIG. 22A. An alternative adjustable structural memberthat can be used to implement the adjustable crossmember(s) 2102 and/orthe adjustable side rail(s) 2104 is described in detail below inconjunction with FIG. 22B.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 21, the crossmembers 1801A, 1801B,1801C, 1801D can be implemented by the adjustable crossmember 2102. Theadjustable crossmember(s) 2102 are structural members with variablyadjustable lengths. For example, the adjustable crossmember(s) 2102 canbe adjusted to the desired length during the assembly of the chassis2100. In some examples, the desired length of the adjustablecrossmembers(s) 2102 is determined based on the model associated withthe chassis 2100 and/or the desired total width of the chassis 2100.That is, depending on the adjusted length of the adjustablecrossmember(s) 2102, the width of the chassis 2100 can be changed. Assuch, the chassis 2100 supports various width configurations based onlyon the adjustment of the adjustable crossmember(s) 2102.

In some examples, the adjustable crossmember(s) 2102 include one or morefeature(s) that enable the adjustable crossmember(s) 2102 to be coupledto the crossmember attachment locators 1916, 1918, 1924, 1926, 1931,1932, 1938, 1940. For example, the adjustable crossmember(s) 2102 caninclude apertures (e.g., a hollow cross-section, etc.) to receivecorresponding protrusions of the crossmember attachment locators 1916,1918, 1924, 1926, 1931, 1932, 1938, 1940. In other examples, theadjustable crossmember(s) 2102 includes protrusions to be received bycorresponding apertures of the crossmember attachment locators 1916,1918, 1924, 1926, 1931, 1932, 1938, 1940. At the crossmember attachmentlocators 1916, 1918, 1924, 1926, 1931, 1932, 1938, 1940, the adjustablecrossmember(s) 2102 can be coupled to the corresponding chassis portions1902, 1904, 1906, 1908 via one or more welds. In other examples, theadjustable crossmember(s) 2102 are coupled to the corresponding chassisportions 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908 via any fastening technique (e.g., afastener, a weld, a chemical adhesive, a press-fit, etc.) or combinationthereof.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 21, the side rails 1802A, 1802B,1802C, 1802D are implemented by the example adjustable side rail(s)2104. The adjustable side rail(s) 2104 are structural members withvariable lengths. For example, the adjustable side rail(s) 2104 can beadjusted to the desired length during the assembly of the chassis 2100.In some examples, the desired length of the adjustable side rail(s) 2104is determined based on the model associated with the chassis 2100 and/orthe desired total length of the chassis 2100. That is, depending on theadjusted length of the adjustable side rail(s) 2104, the length of thechassis 2100 can be changed. As such, the chassis 2100 supports variouslength configurations based only on the adjustment of the adjustableside rail(s) 2104.

In some examples, the adjustable side rail(s) 2104 include one or morefeature(s) that enable the adjustable side rail(s) 2104 to be coupled tothe side rail attachment locators 1944, 1946, 1948, 1950, 1952, 1954,1956, 1958. For example, the adjustable side rail(s) 2104 can includeapertures (e.g., a hollow cross-section, etc.) to receive correspondingprotrusions of the side rail attachment locators 1944, 1946, 1948, 1950,1952, 1954, 1956, 1958. In other examples, the adjustable side rail(s)2104 can include protrusions to be received by corresponding aperturesof the side rail attachment locators 1944, 1946, 1948, 1950, 1952, 1954,1956, 1958. At side rail attachment locators 1944, 1946, 1948, 1950,1952, 1954, 1956, 1958, the adjustable side rail(s) 2104 can be coupledto the corresponding chassis portions 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908 via one ormore welds. In other examples, the adjustable side rail(s) 2104 can becoupled to the corresponding chassis portions 1902, 1904, 1906, 1908 viaany fastening technique (e.g., a fastener, a weld, a chemical adhesive,a press-fit, etc.) or combination thereof.

FIGS. 22A is a perspective view of the adjustable structural member 2102of FIG. 21. In the illustrated example, the adjustable structural member2102 includes an example inner member 2202, an example first outersleeve 2204A, and an example second outer sleeve 2204B. The inner member2202 has an example first end 2205A and an example second end 2205B.

The adjustable structural member 2102 is a telescoping structuralmember. In the illustrated example of FIG. 22A, the outer sleeves 2204A,2204B (e.g., telescoping features, etc.) that slide relative to theinner member 2202 such that the adjustable structural member 2102 can beadjusted to the desired length. In the illustrated example of FIG. 22A,the adjustable structural member 2102 is configured to have a relativelylonger length by adjusting the outer sleeves 2204A, 2204B such that aportion of the outer sleeves 2204A, 2204B extends past the ends 2205A,2206A, respectively. In other examples, the adjustable structural member2102 can be configured to have a relatively shorter length by adjustingthe outer sleeves 2204A, 2204B such that the first outer sleeve 2204Aabuts the second outer sleeve 2204B. That is, the total length of theadjustable structural member 2102 can be adjusted by positioning theouter sleeves 2204A, 2204B.

In some examples, after the outer sleeves 2204A, 2204B have beenpositioned to achieve the desired length of the adjustable structuralmember 2102, the outer sleeves 2204A, 2204B can be permanently fixedrelative to the inner member 2202 via welds and/or another suitablefastening techniques. In other examples, the outer sleeves 2204A, 2204Bcan be removably fixed relative to the inner member 2202 via a chemicaladhesive, a fastener, and/or another suitable example. In some suchexamples, the adjustable structural member 2200 can be readjusted tohave a different length (e.g., for use on a different chassis, etc.). Insome examples, the inner member 2202 and/or the outer sleeves 2204A,2204B can include features (not illustrated) that facilitate fixing thestructural member 2200 at the desired length. or more apertures toreceive one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, pins, screws, etc.).

FIGS. 22B is a perspective view of an example alternative adjustablestructural member 2206 that can be used with the alternative vehiclechassis 2100 of FIG. 21. In the illustrated example of FIG. 22B, theadjustable structural member 2206 includes an example first inner rail2208A, an example second inner rail 2208B, an example first outer rail2210A, and an example second outer rail 2210B. In the illustratedexample of FIG. 22B, the first inner rail 2208A includes an examplefirst track 2212A and an example second track 2212B. In the illustratedexample of FIG. 22B, the second inner rail 2208B includes an examplethird track 2212C and an example fourth track 2212D. In the illustratedexample of FIG. 22B, the outer rails 2210A, 2210B include an examplefirst boss 2214A and an example second boss 2214B, respectively. In theillustrated example of FIG. 22B, the inner rails 2208A, 2208B have anexample first inner end 2216A and an example second inner end 2216B,respectively. In the illustrated example of FIG. 22B, the outer rails2210A, 2210B define an example first outer end 2218A and an examplesecond outer end 2218B.

The adjustable structural member 2206 is a slidably adjustablestructural member. The length of the adjustable structural member 2206can be adjusted by changing the position of the inner rails 2208A, 2208Brelative to the outer rails 2210A, 2210B (e.g., slidably adjustablefeatures, etc.). For example, the bosses 2214A, 2214B can slide withinthe corresponding tracks 2212A, 2212B, 2212C, 2212D (e.g., the firstboss 2214A within the first track 2212A and the third track 2212C, thesecond boss 2214B within the second track 2212B and the fourth track2212D, etc.). For example, the adjustable structural member 2206 can beadjusted to have a relatively shorter length by adjusting the rails2208A, 2208B, 2210A, 2210B such that the first inner end 2216A of thefirst inner rail 2208A abuts the second inner end 2216B of the secondinner rail 2208B. The adjustable structural member 2206 can be adjustedto have a relatively longer length by adjusting the rails 2208A, 2208B,2210A, 2210B such that the first inner end 2216A of the first inner rail2208A is proximate to the outer end 2218A and the second inner end 2216Bof the second inner rail 2208B is proximate to the second outer end2218B. That is, the total length of the adjustable structural member2206 can be adjusted by positioning the rails 2208A, 2208B, 2210A,2210B.

In some examples, after the rails 2208A, 2208B, 2210A, 2210B have beenpositioned to achieve the desired length of the adjustable structuralmember 2206, the relative positions of the rails 2208A, 2208B, 2210A,2210B can be permanently fixed via welds and/or another suitablefastening techniques. For example, the bosses 2214A, 2214B can weldedwithin the corresponding tracks 2212A, 2212B, 2212C, 2212D at thedesired location. In other examples, the relative positions of the rails2208A, 2208B, 2210A, 2210B can be removably fixed via a chemicaladhesive, a fastener, and/or another suitable example. In some suchexamples, the adjustable structural member 2206 can be readjusted tohave a different length (e.g., for use on a differently sized chassis,etc.). In some examples, some or all of the rails 2208A, 2208B, 2210A,2210B include features (not illustrated) that facilitate fixing theadjustable structural member 2206 at the desired length. In some suchexamples, some or all of the rails 2208A, 2208B, 2210A, 2210B includeone or more apertures to receive one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts,pins, screws, etc.).

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an example second alternative vehiclechassis 2300. The example vehicle chassis 2300 includes an examplebattery platform 2302. The battery platform 2302 can be coupled to oneof an example first interchangeable front chassis portion 2304A or anexample second interchangeable front chassis portion 2304B. The batteryplatform 2302 can be coupled to one of an example first interchangeablerear chassis portion 2306A or an example second interchangeable rearchassis portion 2306B. The example first interchangeable front chassisportion 2304A includes example first attachment locators 2308, examplefirst crossmembers 2310, and example first longitudinal members 2311.The example second interchangeable front chassis portion 2304B includesexample first attachment locators 2312, an example frame section 2314,an example battery array 2316, example second crossmembers 2318, andexample second longitudinal members 2319. The example firstinterchangeable rear chassis portion 2306A includes example thirdattachment locators 2320, example third crossmembers 2322, and examplethird longitudinal members 2323. The example second interchangeable rearchassis portion 2306B includes example fourth attachment locators 2324,an example second frame section 2326, an example second battery array2328, example fourth crossmembers 2330, and example fourth longitudinalmembers 2331. The example battery platform 2302 includes example fifthattachment locators 2332 and example sixth attachment locators 2334.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 23, the interchangeable front chassisportions 2304A, 2304B include the example first electric motor 1810A,the example first suspension assembly 1812A, the example secondsuspension assembly 1812B, the example first wheel 1814A, and theexample second wheel 1814B. In the illustrated example of FIG. 23, theinterchangeable rear chassis portions 2306A, 2306B include the examplesecond electric motor 1810B, the example third suspension assembly1812C, the example fourth suspension assembly 1812D, the example thirdwheel 1814C, and the example fourth wheel 1814D.

The battery platform 2302 is a common component shared between differentconfigurations of the chassis 2300. The example platform 2302 includes aplurality of structural members (e.g., crossmembers, side rails, etc.)and EV batteries. The fifth attachment locators 2332 can be coupled tothe corresponding first attachment locators 2308 of the firstinterchangeable front chassis portion 2304A or the corresponding secondattachment locators 2312 of the second interchangeable front chassisportion 2304B. The sixth attachment locators 2334 can be coupled to thecorresponding third attachment locators 2320 of the firstinterchangeable rear chassis portion 2306A or the corresponding fourthattachment locators 2324 of the second interchangeable rear chassisportion 2306B. In the illustrated example of FIG. 23, the attachmentlocators 2308, 2312, 2320, 2324 include protrusions to be received bycorresponding apertures of the attachment locators 2332, 2334 of thebattery platform 2302. In other examples, the attachment locators 2332,2334 of the battery platform 2302 include protrusions to be received bythe attachment locators 2308, 2312, 2320, 2324. Additionally oralternatively, the battery platform 2302 can be coupled to acorresponding one of the interchangeable front chassis portions 2304A,2304B and a corresponding one of the interchangeable rear chassisportions 2306A, 2306B via additional fastening techniques (e.g., welds,press-fits, chemical adhesives, fasteners, etc.).

The second interchangeable front chassis portion 2304B has acomparatively greater width and comparatively greater length than thefirst interchangeable front chassis portion 2304A. In the illustratedexample of FIG. 23, the structural members of the second interchangeablefront chassis portion 2304B (e.g., the crossmembers 2318, thelongitudinal members 2319, etc.) are longer than the structural membersof the first interchangeable front chassis portion 2304A. In theillustrated example of FIG. 23, the second interchangeable front chassisportion 2304B includes the first frame section 2314, which furthercontributes to the greater length of the second interchangeable frontchassis portion 2304B compared to the first interchangeable frontchassis portion 2304A. In other examples, the first frame section 2314is absent.

The second interchangeable rear chassis portion 2306B has acomparatively greater width and comparatively greater length than thefirst interchangeable rear chassis portion 2306A. In the illustratedexample of FIG. 23, the structural members of the second interchangeablerear chassis portion 2306B (e.g., the crossmembers 2322, thelongitudinal members 2323, etc.) are longer than the structural membersof the first interchangeable rear chassis portion 2306A. In theillustrated example of FIG. 23, the second interchangeable front chassisportion 2304B includes the second frame section 2326, which furthercontributes to the greater length of the second interchangeable frontchassis portion 2304B compared to the first interchangeable rear chassisportion 2306A. In other examples, the second frame section 2314 isabsent.

Depending on which of the interchangeable front chassis portions 2304A,2304B is coupled to battery platform 2302 and which of theinterchangeable rear chassis portions 2306A, 2306B is coupled to batteryplatform 2302, the width and the length of the chassis 2300 can bechanged. While only two sizes of chassis portions are depicted in FIG.23, the width and length of the interchangeable chassis assemblies canbe designed and manufactured based on the desired width and length ofthe chassis 2300. As such, the chassis 2300 supports various width andlength configurations depending on which of the interchangeable chassisportions 2304A, 2304B, 2306A, 2306B is utilized. Two exampleconfigurations of the chassis 2300 are described below in conjunctionwith FIGS. 24A and 24B.

FIG. 24A is a top view of an example first configuration 2400 of thechassis 2300 of FIG. 23 including the relatively smaller interchangeablechassis portions 2304A, 2306A. In the illustrated example of FIG. 24A,the first configuration 2400 includes the battery platform 2302, thefirst interchangeable front chassis portion 2304A, and the firstinterchangeable rear chassis portion 2306A. In the illustrated exampleof FIG. 24A, the chassis 2300 has a comparatively small footprint, whichmakes the first configuration 2400 suitable for smaller vehicles (e.g.,compact vehicles, crossovers, etc.).

FIG. 24B is a top view of an example second configuration 2402 of thechassis 2300 of FIG. 23 including the relatively larger interchangeablechassis portions 2304B, 2306B. In the illustrated example of FIG. 24B,the first configuration 2402 includes the battery platform 2302, thesecond interchangeable front chassis portion 2304B, and the secondinterchangeable rear chassis portion 2306B. In the illustrated exampleof FIG. 24B, the chassis 2300 has a comparatively larger footprint,which makes the first configuration 2402 suitable for larger vehicles(e.g., SUVs, pick-up, etc.). The larger platform of second configuration2402 enables an additional example first side battery array 2404A and anadditional example second side battery array 2404B. In the illustratedexamples of FIGS. 24A and 24B, the second configuration 2402 includesadditional batteries disposed with the frame sections 2314, 2326 andwithin the battery arrays 2316, 2328, 2404A, 2404B. That is,comparatively larger configurations (e.g., the second configuration2402, etc.) of the chassis 2300 enable more batteries to be coupledwithin the chassis 2300 than comparatively smaller configurations (e.g.,the first configuration 2400, etc.).

FIG. 25 is a flowchart representative of an example method 2500 toassemble the example chassis 1900, 2100 of FIGS. 19 and 21,respectively. The example method 2500 begins at block 2502, the model ofthe vehicle associated with the chassis 1900, 2100 is determined. Forexample, the model of the vehicle can be determined to be a pick-uptruck model, a compact car model, an SUV model, a crossover model, a vanmodel, etc. In some examples, the footprint associated with thedetermined model is determined.

At block 2504, the right front chassis portion 1902 is assembled. Forexample, the first longitudinal member 1912 (e.g., including thecrossmember attachment locators 1916, 1918, etc.) and the first flaredportion 1914 are coupled to form the right front chassis portion 1902.In some examples, the first longitudinal member 1912 and the firstflared portion 1914 are coupled together via one or more welds. In otherexamples, the first longitudinal member 1912 and the first flaredportion 1914 can be coupled together via any other suitable fasteningtechniques (e.g., press-fit, a chemical adhesive, etc.). In someexamples, the first crossmember attachment locator 1916 and the secondcrossmember attachment locator 1918 are formed on the first longitudinalmember 1912 (e.g., via machining, the fastening on additional parts,etc.). In some examples, the first wheel 1814A and the first suspensionassembly 1812A are coupled to the first longitudinal member 1912 and/orthe first flared portion 1914. In other examples, the first wheel 1814Aand the first suspension assembly 1812A are coupled to the right frontchassis portion 1902 after the frame of the chassis 1900, 2100 isassembled.

At block 2506, the left front chassis portion 1904 is assembled. Forexample, the second longitudinal member 1920 (e.g., including thecrossmember attachment locators 1924, 1926, etc.) and the second flaredportion 1922 are coupled to form the left front chassis portion 1904. Insome examples, the second longitudinal member 1920 and the second flaredportion 1922 are coupled together via one or more welds. In otherexamples, the second longitudinal member 1920 and the second flaredportion 1922 can be coupled together via any other suitable fasteningtechniques (e.g., press-fit, a chemical adhesive, etc.). In someexamples, the third crossmember attachment locator 1924 and the fourthcrossmember attachment locator 1926 are formed on the secondlongitudinal member 1920 (e.g., via machining, the fastening onadditional parts, etc.). In some examples, the second wheel 1814B andthe second suspension assembly 1812B are coupled to the secondlongitudinal member 1920 and/or the second flared portion 1922. In otherexamples, the second wheel 1814B and the second suspension assembly1812B are coupled to the left front chassis portion 1904 after the frameof the chassis 1900, 2100 is assembled.

At block 2508, the right rear chassis portion 1906 is assembled. Forexample, the third longitudinal member 1928 (e.g., including thecrossmember attachment locators 1931, 1932, etc.) and the third flaredportion 1930 are coupled to form the right rear chassis portion 1906. Insome examples, the third longitudinal member 1928 and the third flaredportion 1930 are coupled together via one or more welds. In otherexamples, the third longitudinal member 1928 and the third flaredportion 1930 can be coupled together via any other suitable fasteningtechniques (e.g., press-fit, a chemical adhesive, etc.). In someexamples, the fifth crossmember attachment locator 1931 and the sixthcrossmember attachment locator 1932 are formed on the third longitudinalmember 1928 (e.g., via machining, the fastening on additional parts,etc.). In some examples, the third wheel 1814C and the third suspensionassembly 1812C are coupled to the third longitudinal member 1928 and/orthe third flared portion 1930. In other examples, the third wheel 1814Cand the third suspension assembly 1812C are coupled to the right rearchassis portion 1906 after the frame of the chassis 1900, 2100 isassembled.

At block 2510, the left rear chassis portion 1908 is assembled. Forexample, the fourth longitudinal member 1934 (e.g., including thecrossmember attachment locators 1938, 1940, etc.) and the fourth flaredportion 1936 are coupled to form the left rear chassis portion 1908. Insome examples, the fourth longitudinal member 1934 and the fourth flaredportion 1936 are coupled together via one or more welds. In otherexamples, the fourth longitudinal member 1934 and the fourth flaredportion 1936 can be coupled together via any other suitable fasteningtechniques (e.g., press-fit, a chemical adhesive, etc.). In someexamples, the seventh crossmember attachment locator 1938 and the eighthcrossmember attachment locator 1940 are formed on the fourthlongitudinal member 1934 (e.g., via machining, the fastening onadditional parts, etc.). In some examples, the fourth wheel 1814D andthe fourth suspension assembly 1812D are coupled to the fourthlongitudinal member 1934 and/or the fourth flared portion 1936. In otherexamples, the fourth wheel 1814D and the fourth suspension assembly1812D are coupled to the left rear chassis portion 1908 after the frameof the chassis 1900, 2100 is assembled.

At block 2512, the appropriate crossmembers are selected based on thechassis 1900, 2100. For example, if the chassis 1900 is being assembled,an appropriately sized crossmember of the interchangeable crossmembers1942A, 1942B, 1942C, 1942D is selected. For example, if the model of thevehicle is a comparatively larger vehicle, the first interchangeablecrossmember 1942A or the second interchangeable crossmember 1942B can beselected. In other examples, if the model of the vehicle is a smallervehicle, the third interchangeable crossmember 1942C or the fourthinterchangeable crossmember 1942D can be selected. If the chassis 2100is being assembled, the adjustable crossmember(s) 2102 are selected.

At block 2514, it is determined if the crossmembers selected areadjustable. For example, if the adjustable crossmember(s) 2102 isselected, the method 2500 advances to block 2516. If the ones of theinterchangeable crossmembers 1942A, 1942B, 1942C, 1942D were selected,the method advances to block 2518.

At block 2516, the length of the adjustable crossmember(s) 2102 isadjusted based on the model of the vehicle. For example, if theadjustable crossmember(s) 2102 are implemented by the adjustablestructural member 2200 of FIG. 22A, the position of the outer sleeves2204A, 2204B relative to the inner rail 2202 can be adjusted such thatthe adjustable crossmember(s) 2102 has the desired length. In otherexamples, if the adjustable crossmember(s) 2102 are implemented by theadjustable structural member 2206 of FIG. 22B, the relative position ofthe inner rails 2208A, 2208B, and outer rails 2210A, 2210B can beadjusted until the adjustable crossmember(s) 2102 has the desiredlength. Additionally or alternatively, the length of the adjustablecrossmember(s) 2102 can be adjusted by any other suitable means.

At block 2518, the front chassis portions 1902, 1904 are coupledtogether via the selected crossmembers. For example, if the chassis 1900is being assembled, the selected one(s) of the interchangeablecrossmembers 1942A, 1942B, 1942C, 1942D are coupled to the front chassisportions 1902, 1904 via the crossmember attachment locator(s) 1916,1918, 1924, 1926. For example, if the chassis 2100 is being assembled,the adjustable crossmember(s) 2102 are coupled to the front chassisportions 1902, 1904 via the crossmember attachment locator(s) 1916,1918, 1924, 1926. In some examples, apertures of the selectedcrossmembers (e.g., ones of the interchangeable crossmembers 1942A,1942B, 1942C, 1942D, the adjustable crossmember(s) 2102, etc.) receivecorresponding protrusions of the crossmember attachment locator(s) 1916,1918, 1924, 1926. In such examples, the protrusions of the crossmemberattachment locator(s) 1916, 1918, 1924, 1926 frictionally engage theapertures of the selected crossmembers. Additionally or alternatively,the selected crossmembers can be fixedly attached to the front chassisportions 1902, 1904 via one or more fastening techniques (e.g., welds,fasteners, chemical adhesives, etc.).

At block 2520, the rear chassis portions 1906, 1908 are coupled togethervia the crossmembers 1801C, 1801D. For example, if the chassis 1900 isbeing assembled, the selected one(s) of the interchangeable crossmembers1942A, 1942B, 1942C, 1942D are coupled to the rear chassis portions1906, 1908 via the crossmember attachment locators 1931, 1932, 1938,1940. For example, if the chassis 2100 is being assembled, theadjustable crossmember(s) 2102 are coupled to the rear chassis portions1906, 1908 via the crossmember attachment locators 1931, 1932, 1938,1940. In some examples, apertures of the selected crossmembers (e.g.,ones of the interchangeable crossmembers 1942A, 1942B, 1942C, 1942D, theadjustable crossmember(s) 2102, etc.) receive corresponding protrusionsof the crossmember attachment locators 1931, 1932, 1938, 1940. In suchexamples, the protrusions of the crossmember attachment locators 1931,1932, 1938, 1940 frictionally engage the apertures of the selectedcrossmembers. Additionally or alternatively, the selected crossmemberscan be fixedly attached to the rear chassis portions 1906, 1908 via oneor more fastening techniques (e.g., welds, fasteners, chemicaladhesives, etc.).

At block 2522, the appropriate side rail(s) are selected based on thechassis 1900, 2100. For example, if the chassis 1900 is being assembled,appropriately sized side rail(s) of the interchangeable side rails1960A, 1960B, 1960C, 1960D is selected. For example, if the model of thevehicle is a comparatively larger vehicle, the first interchangeableside rail 1960A or the second interchangeable side rail 1960B can beselected. In other examples, if the model of the vehicle is a smallervehicle, the third interchangeable side rail 1960C or the fourthinterchangeable side rail 1960D can be selected. If the chassis 2100 isbeing assembled, the adjustable side rail(s) 2104 are selected.

At block 2524, it is determined if the side rail(s) selected areadjustable. For example, if the adjustable side rails (s) 2104 isselected, the method 2500 advances to block 2526. If the ones of theinterchangeable side rails 1960A, 1960B, 1960C, 1960D are selected, themethod advances to block 2530.

At block 2526, the length of the adjustable side rail(s) 2104 isadjusted based on the model of the vehicle. For example, if theadjustable side rail(s) 2104 are implemented by the adjustablestructural member 2200 of FIG. 22A, the position of the outer sleeves2204A, 2204B relative to the inner rail 2202 can be adjusted such thatthe adjustable side rail(s) 2104 have the desired length. In otherexamples, if the adjustable side rail(s) 2104 are implemented by theadjustable structural member 2206 of FIG. 22B, the relative position ofthe inner rails 2208A, 2208B, and outer rails 2210A, 2210B can beadjusted until the adjustable side rail(s) 2104 have the desired length.Additionally or alternatively, the length of the adjustable side rail(s)2104 can be adjusted by any other suitable means.

At block 2528, the right front chassis portion 1902 is coupled to theright rear chassis portion 1906 via the side rails 1802A, 1802B. Forexample, if the chassis 1900 is being assembled, the selected one(s) ofthe interchangeable side rails 1960A, 1960B, 1960C, 1960D are coupled tothe right chassis portions 1902, 1906 via the side rail attachmentlocator(s) 1944, 1946, 1952, 1954. For example, if the chassis 2100 isbeing assembled, the adjustable side rail(s) 2104 are coupled to theright chassis portions 1902, 1906 via the side rail attachmentlocator(s) 1944, 1946, 1952, 1954. In some examples, apertures of theselected side rails (e.g., ones of the interchangeable side rails 1960A,1960B, 1960C, 1960D, the adjustable side rail(s) 2104, etc.) receivecorresponding protrusions of the side rail attachment locator(s) 1944,1946, 1952, 1954. In such examples, the protrusions of the side railattachment locator(s) 1944, 1946, 1952, 1954 frictionally engage theapertures of the selected side rails. Additionally or alternatively, theselected side rails can be fixedly attached to the right chassisportions 1902, 1906 via one or more fastening techniques (e.g., welds,fasteners, chemical adhesives, etc.).

At block 2530, the left front chassis portion 1904 is coupled to theleft rear chassis portion 1908 via the side rails 1802C, 1802D. Forexample, if the chassis 1900 is being assembled, the selected one(s) ofthe interchangeable side rails 1960A, 1960B, 1960C, 1960D are coupled tothe left chassis portions 1904, 1908 via the side rail attachmentlocator(s) 1948, 1950, 1956, 1958. For example, if the chassis 2100 isbeing assembled, the adjustable side rail(s) 2104 are coupled to theleft chassis portions 1904, 1908 via the side rail attachment locator(s)1948, 1950, 1956, 1958. In some examples, apertures of the selected siderails (e.g., ones of the interchangeable side rails 1960A, 1960B, 1960C,1960D, the adjustable side rail(s) 2104, etc.) receive correspondingprotrusions of the side rail attachment locator(s) 1948, 1950, 1956,1958. In such examples, the protrusions of the side rail attachmentlocator(s) 1948, 1950, 1956, 1958 frictionally engage the apertures ofthe selected side rails. Additionally or alternatively, the selectedside rails can be fixedly attached to the left chassis portions 1904,1908 via one or more fastening techniques (e.g., welds, fasteners,chemical adhesives, etc.). The method 2500 ends.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an example chassis 2600 in which theteachings of this disclosure can be implemented. The example chassis2600 includes an example frame 2602. In the illustrated example of FIG.26, the chassis 2600 includes an example front chassis portion 2404, anexample rear chassis portion 2606, and an example battery platform 2608.The example battery platform 2608 includes an example central batteryarray 2610, an example first side battery array 2612A, and a second sidebattery array 2612B. The example chassis 2600 includes an example firstwheel 2614A, an example second wheel 2614B, an example third wheel2614C, and an example fourth wheel 2614D. The example front chassisportion 2604 includes an example first crossmember 2616, an examplesecond crossmember 2618, an example first longitudinal member 2620, andan example second longitudinal member 2622, which collectively define anexample first cavity 2624. The example rear chassis portion 2606includes an example third crossmember 2626, an example fourthcrossmember 2628, an example third longitudinal member 2630, and anexample fourth longitudinal member 2632, which collectively define anexample second cavity 2634.

The battery platform 2608 includes the battery arrays 2610, 2612A,2612B. The batteries of the battery arrays 2610, 2612A, 2612B are EVbatteries. The batteries of the battery arrays 2610, 2612A, 2612Bprovide power to electric motors coupled to the chassis 2600. In otherexamples, if the chassis 2600 is associated with a hybrid vehicle, thebatteries of the battery arrays 2610, 2612A, 2612B supplement the powergenerated by a combustion engine of the chassis 2600. In some examples,additional batteries are disposed within the chassis 2600 (e.g., in thefront chassis portion 2604, in the rear chassis portion 2606, etc.). Insuch examples, the additional batteries can improve the performance ofthe vehicle associated with the chassis 2600 (e.g., improved range,greater power available for the engine, etc.). In some examples, thecentral battery arrays 2610 and/or one or both of the side batteryarrays 2612A, 2612 are absent (e.g., in examples with two side rails,etc.).

The wheels 2614A, 2614B, 2614C, 2614D can be coupled to the chassis 2600after corresponding component(s) (e.g., axles, the suspensionassemblies, etc.) of the chassis 2600 are coupled to the frame 2602. Insome examples, the type of the wheel 2614A, 2614B, 2614C, 2614D (e.g.,tread type, wheel diameter, wheel width, etc.) can be selected based onthe type and/or model of the vehicle associated with the chassis 2600.Additionally or alternatively, the type and/or size of the wheels 2614A,2614B, 2614C, 2614D can be selected based on properties of the chassis2600 (e.g., the length of the longitudinal members 2620, 2622, 2630,2632.

The crossmembers 2616, 2618, 2626, 2628 extend generally laterallybetween the driver and passenger sides of the chassis 2600. Thecrossmembers 2616, 2618, 2626, 2628 increase the strength of the chassis2600 and protect vehicle components. In some examples, the crossmembers2616, 2618, 2626, 2628 include additional features (e.g., bolt holes,weld surfaces, etc.) that enable additional vehicle components to becoupled thereto. In the illustrated example of FIG. 26, the chassis 2600includes four crossmembers (e.g., the crossmembers 2616, 2618, 2626,2628, etc.). In other examples, the chassis 2600 includes a differentquantity of crossmembers (e.g., two cross members, four cross members,etc.). The crossmembers 2616, 2618, 2626, 2628 can be composed of steel,aluminum, and/or any other suitable material(s). The first longitudinalmember 2620 and the second longitudinal member 2622 extendlongitudinally between the first crossmember 2616 and second crossmember2618. The third longitudinal member 2630 and fourth longitudinal members2632 extend longitudinally between the third crossmember 2626 and fourthcrossmember 2628. The longitudinal members 2620, 2622, 2630, 2632 can becomposed of steel, aluminum, and/or any other suitable material(s). Insome examples, the longitudinal members 2620, 2622, 2630, 2632 caninclude features that enable suspension components to be coupledthereto.

The cavities 2624, 2634 are areas of the chassis 2600 in whichpowertrain components, drivetrain components, and/or suspensioncomponents can be coupled. In the illustrated example of FIG. 26, thefirst cavity 2624 is defined by the first crossmember 2616, the secondcrossmember 2618, the first longitudinal member 2620, and the secondlongitudinal member 2622. In the illustrated example of FIG. 26, thesecond cavity 2634 is defined the third crossmember 2626, the fourthcrossmember 2628, the third longitudinal member 2630, and the fourthlongitudinal member 2632. In some examples, the crossmembers 2616, 2618,2626, 2628 and/or the longitudinal members 2620, 2622, 2630, 2632 caninclude features (e.g., weld surfaces, apertures, brackets, brushings,etc.) that enable powertrain components, drivetrain components, and/orsuspension components to be coupled with the corresponding one of thecavities 2624, 2634. In the illustrated example of FIG. 26, the cavities2624, 2634 are of substantially the same size. In other examples, thefirst cavities 2624 and the second cavity 2634 have different sizes. Thecoupling of components of the interchangeable performance packages 2700,2714, 2728 within the first cavity 2624 and/or the second cavity 2634 isdescribed in greater detail below in conjunction with FIG. 28.

FIG. 27A is a perspective view of an example first interchangeableperformance package 2700. In the illustrated example of FIG. 27A, thefirst interchangeable performance package 2700 includes an example firstelectric motor 2702 that includes an example first motor mountingfeature 2704A and an example second motor mounting feature 2704B. In theillustrated example of FIG. 27A, the first interchangeable performancepackage 2700 includes an example first suspension assembly 2706A and anexample second suspension assembly 2706B. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 27A, the suspension assemblies 2706A, 2706B include an examplefirst elastic member 2708A and an example second elastic member 2708B,respectively. In the illustrated example of FIG. 27A, the suspensionassemblies 2706A, 2706B include an example first wheel mounting feature2710A and an example second wheel mounting feature 2710B, respectively.In the illustrated example of FIG. 27A, the suspension assemblies 2706A,2706B include an example first frame mounting feature 2712A and anexample second frame mounting feature 2712B, respectively.

FIG. 27B is a perspective view of an example second interchangeableperformance package 2714. In the illustrated example of FIG. 27B, thesecond interchangeable performance package 2714 includes an examplesecond electric motor 2716 that includes an example third motor mountingfeature 2718A and an example fourth motor mounting feature 2718B. In theillustrated example of FIG. 27B, the second interchangeable performancepackage 2714 includes an example third suspension assembly 2720A and anexample fourth suspension assembly 2720B. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 27B, the suspension assemblies 2720A, 2720B include an examplethird elastic member 2722A and an example fourth elastic member 2722B,respectively. In the illustrated example of FIG. 27B, the suspensionassemblies 2720A, 2720B include an example third wheel mounting feature2724A and an example fourth wheel mounting feature 2724B, respectively.In the illustrated example of FIG. 27B, the suspension assemblies 2720A,2720B include an example third frame mounting feature 2726A and anexample fourth frame mounting feature 2726B, respectively.

FIG. 27C is a perspective view of an example third interchangeableperformance package 2728. In the illustrated example of FIG. 27C, thethird interchangeable performance package 2728 includes an example thirdelectric motor 2730 that includes an example fifth motor mountingfeature 2732A and an example sixth motor mounting feature 2732B. In theillustrated example of FIG. 27C, the third interchangeable performancepackage 2728 includes an example fifth suspension assembly 2734A and anexample sixth suspension assembly 2734B. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 27C, the suspension assemblies 2734A, 2734B include an examplefifth elastic member 2736A and an example sixth elastic member 2736B,respectively. In the illustrated example of FIG. 27C, the suspensionassemblies 2734A, 2734B include an example fifth wheel mounting feature2740A and an example sixth wheel mounting feature 2740B, respectively.In the illustrated example of FIG. 27C, the suspension assemblies 2734A,2734B include an example second frame mounting feature 2742A and anexample sixth frame mounting feature 2742B, respectively.

The first interchangeable performance package 2700 includes featuresthat make the first interchangeable performance package 2700 suitablefor a passenger vehicle. In the illustrated example of FIG. 27A, theelectric motor 2700 has performance characteristics that make theelectric motor 2702 suitable for use on streets and/or highways.Similarly, the suspension assemblies 2706A, 2706B have characteristicsthat make them more suitable for consumer comfort (e.g., comparativelyless stiff elastic members, progressive spring rates, neutral camber,neutral caster, etc.).

The second interchangeable performance package 2714 includes featuresthat make the second interchangeable performance package 2714 suitablefor heavier consumer and/or commercial vehicles. In the illustratedexample of FIG. 27B, the electric motor 2716 has performancecharacteristics that make the electric motor 2716 suitable for use onrough terrain and/or hauling larger loads (e.g., comparatively hightorque, comparative high horsepower, etc.). Similarly, the suspensionassemblies 2720A, 2720B have characteristics that make them moresuitable for use with comparatively higher loads and/or use on uneventerrain (e.g., comparatively less stiff elastic members, greater travel,greater load capacity, progressive spring rates, positive camber,neutral caster, etc.).

The third interchangeable performance package 2728 includes featuresthat make the performance package 2710 suitable for a sports vehicle. Inthe illustrated example of FIG. 27C, the electric motor 2716 hasperformance characteristics that make the electric motor 2716 suitablefor use on a smooth uniform surface (e.g., comparatively highhorsepower, comparatively high torque, etc.). Similarly, the suspensionassemblies 2720A, 2720B have characteristics that make them moresuitable for use with a comparatively light vehicle on a smooth surface(e.g., comparatively more stiff elastic members, low travel, linearspring rates, negative camber, positive caster, etc.).

The electric motors 2702, 2716, 2730 are powertrain components thattransform electric power from batteries into mechanical energy and canbe used to drive the wheels of a vehicle (e.g., the wheels 2614A, 2614B,2614C, 2614C, etc.). As described above, the electric motors 2702, 2716,2730 have different performance characteristics. That is, the electricmotor 2702 has lower torque and horsepower than the electric motors2716, 2730. The electric motor 2716 has higher torque than the electricmotors 2702, 2730 and similar horsepower to the electric motor 2730. Theelectric motor 2730 has higher horsepower than the electric motor 2702and similar horsepower to the electric motor 2730.

The elastic members 2708A, 2708B, 2722A, 2722B, 2736A, 2736B include atleast one spring and/or damper to deflect in response to a load (e.g.,increased, decreased load on the vehicle, from uneven terrain, etc.)being applied to the corresponding one(s) of the suspension assemblies2706A, 2706B, 2720A, 2720B, 2734A, 2734B. In some examples, the elasticmembers 2708B, 2722A, 2722B, 2736A, 2736B can include hydraulic and/orelectromagnetic dampers. As described above, the corresponding sets ofelastic members 2708A, 2708B, 2722A, 2722B, 2736A, 2736B of thesuspension assemblies 2706A, 2706B, 2720A, 2720B, 2734A, 2734B havedifferent stiffnesses, damping properties, and load capacities. That is,the elastic members 2708A, 2708B are generally configured for passengervehicles (e.g., comparatively less stiff, etc.). The elastic members2722A, 2722B are generally configured for commercial vehicles (e.g.,comparatively less stiffness, comparatively higher damping,comparatively higher travel, comparatively higher capacity, etc.). Theelastic members 2736A, 2736B are generally configured for performancevehicles (e.g., comparatively greater stiffness, comparatively lowertravel, comparatively lower capacity, etc.). Additionally oralternatively, the elastic members (e.g., the elastic members 2736A,2736B, etc.) associated with the higher performance packages (e.g., thethird interchangeable performance package 2728, etc.) can include linearspring rates and the elastic members associated with passenger and/orcommercial vehicles (e.g., the elastic members 2708A, 2708B, 2722A,2722B, etc.) can include progressive spring rates. The suspensionassemblies 2706A, 2706B, 2720A, 2720B, 2734A, 2734B are additionallyconfigured to receive corresponding wheels at different caster anglesand camber angles. That is, in the illustrated examples of FIGS.27A-27C, the suspension assemblies 706A, 2706B, 2720A, 2720B areconfigured to receive wheels at a positive cambers and neutral camberand the suspension assemblies 2734A, 2734B are configured to receivewheels at a negative camber and a positive caster.

While only the three interchangeable performance packages 2700, 2714,2728 are described in conjunction with FIGS. 27A-27C, other performancepackage configurations are possible. For example, another exampleperformance package for lighter off-road vehicles includes acomparatively powerful electric motor (e.g., second electric motor 2716and/or the third electric motor 2730, etc.) and comparatively less stiffsuspension assemblies (e.g., the suspension assemblies 2706A, 2706B). Inother examples, other performance packages can include any suitablecombination of components.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the example chassis 2600 of FIG. 26 andthe interchangeable performance packages 2700, 2714, 2728 of FIG.27A-27C. In the illustrated example of FIG. 28, an example firstperformance package 2802 is coupled to the front chassis portion 2604,and an example second performance package 2804 is coupled to the rearchassis portion 2606. In the illustrated example of FIG. 28, the firstperformance package 2802 and the second performance package 2804 can beimplemented by the first performance package 2700, the secondinterchangeable performance package 2714, and/or the thirdinterchangeable performance package 2728.

The corresponding motor mounting features of the interchangeableperformance packages 2700, 2714, 2728 (e.g., the motor mounting features2704A, 2704B of the first performance package 2700, the motor mountingfeatures 2718A, 2718B of the second interchangeable performance package2714, the motor mounting features 2732A, 2732B of the thirdinterchangeable performance package 2728, etc.) can be coupled to theinboard surfaces of the corresponding ones of the longitudinal members2620, 2622, 2630, 2632 via one or more of fastening techniques(s),thereby coupling the corresponding electric motors 2702, 2716, 2730within the corresponding ones of the cavities 2624, 2634. For example,the corresponding mounting features 2704A, 2704B, 2718A, 2718B, 2732A,2732B can be implemented by one or more bushings that receivecorresponding inboard protrusions extending from the longitudinalmembers 2620, 2622, 2630, 2632, which damp vibration generated by thecorresponding electric motors 2702, 2716, 2730. In other examples, thecorresponding motor mounting features 2704A, 2704B, 2718A, 2718B, 2732A,2732B can be implemented by outboard extending features to be receivedby bushings associated with the longitudinal members 2620, 2622, 2630,2632, which damp vibration generated by the corresponding electricmotors 2702, 2716, 2730. Additionally or alternatively, the motormounting features 2704A, 2704B, 2718A, 2718B, 2732A, 2732B of theelectric motors 2702, 2716, 2730 can be coupled to the correspondinglongitudinal members 2620, 2622, 2630, 2632 via any fastening technique(e.g., a fastener, a weld, a chemical adhesive, a press-fit, etc.) orcombination thereof.

The corresponding suspension assemblies of the interchangeableperformance packages 2700, 2714, 2728 (e.g., the suspension assemblies2706A, 2706B of the first interchangeable performance package 2700, thesuspension assemblies 2720A, 2720B of the second interchangeableperformance package 2714, the suspension assemblies 2734A, 2734B of thethird interchangeable performance package 2728, etc.) can be coupled tothe corresponding outboard surfaces of the longitudinal members 2620,2622, 2630, 2632 via fastening techniques(s) (e.g., a fastener, a weld,a chemical adhesive, a press-fit, etc.) and via the respective ones ofthe frame mounting features 2712A, 2712B, 2726A, 2726B, 2742A, 2742B,etc.

The wheels 2614A, 2614B, 2614C, 2614D can be coupled to thecorresponding ones of the wheel mounting features of the interchangeableperformance packages 2714, 2728 (e.g., the wheel mounting features2710A, 2710B of the first performance package 2700, the wheel mountingfeatures 2724A, 2724B of the second interchangeable performance package2714, the wheel mounting features 2740A, 2740B of the thirdinterchangeable performance package 2728, etc.). In some examples, thewheel mounting features 2710A, 2710B, 2724A, 2724B, 2740A, 2740B can beimplemented by a wheel hub, which includes protrusions to be received bycorresponding apertures of the wheels 2614A, 2614B, 2614C, 2614D. Inother examples, the wheel mounting features 2710A, 2710B, 2724A, 2724B,2740A, 2740B can be implemented by any other suitable means.

Each of the interchangeable performance packages 2700, 2714, 2728 arecouplable to the chassis 2600. As such, the chassis 2600 supportsvarious performance configurations with only the changing of theperformance packages 2802, 2804 to be different ones of theinterchangeable performance packages 2700, 2714, 2728. Accordingly, thechassis 2600 can be easily configured to support different vehiclemodels and/or types, which increases the ease of manufacturing andassembly by reducing the total number of unique parts used betweenvehicles. When combined with the other teachings of this disclosure(e.g., the scalable chassis 1900 of FIG. 19, the scalable chassis 2300of FIG. 23, etc.), disparate vehicle types (e.g., pick-up trucks andcompacts, etc.) can be implemented to share chassis with similar designsand a comparatively large number of common parts. In the illustratedexample of FIG. 28, the performance packages 2802, 2804 are implementedby a same one of the interchangeable performance packages 2700, 2714,2728. In other examples, the first performance package 2802 can beimplemented by a different one of the second performance package 2804(e.g., the first performance package 2802 implemented by the firstinterchangeable performance package 2700 and the second performancepackage 2804 implemented by the second interchangeable performance 2714,etc.).

FIG. 29 is a flowchart representative of an example method 2900 toassemble the example chassis of FIGS. 26 and 28 with one of theinterchangeable performance packages of FIGS. 27A-27C. At block 2902,the model of the vehicle associated with the chassis 2600 is determined.For example, the model of the vehicle can be determined to be a pick-uptruck model, a compact model, an SUV model, a crossover model, a vanmodel, etc. In some examples, the desired performance characteristics(e.g., engine torque, engine power, suspension characteristics isdetermined).

At block 2904, one of the interchangeable performance packages 2700,2714, 2718 is selected based on the determined model of the vehicle. Forexample, if the model of the vehicle is a passenger model, the firstinterchangeable performance package 2700 is selected. If the model ofthe vehicle is a hauling model, the second interchangeable performancepackage 2714 is selected. If the model of the vehicle is a performancemodel, the third interchangeable performance package 2728 is selected.In other examples, other suitable performance packages can be selectedbased on the model. In some examples, multiple performance packages canbe selected. In such examples, the selected performance packages can becoupled to different portions of the chassis 2600 (e.g., the firstinterchangeable performance package 2700 may be coupled within the firstcavity 2624, the second performance package coupled within the secondcavity 2634, etc.).

At block 2906, the electric motor(s) of the selected performance packageis coupled within the chassis cavity. For example, instances of thecorresponding electric motor of the selected performance package (e.g.,the first electric motor 2702 of the first interchangeable performancepackage 2700, the second electric motor 2716 of the secondinterchangeable performance package 2714, the third electric motor 2730of the third performance package, etc.) can be coupled within the firstcavity 2624 of the chassis 2600 and the second cavity 2634 via thecorresponding motor mounting features (e.g., the first motor mountingfeature 2704A and the second motor mounting feature 2704B of the firstinterchangeable performance package 2700, the third motor mountingfeature 2718A and the fourth motor mounting feature 2718B of the secondinterchangeable performance package 2714, the fifth motor mountingfeature 2732A and the sixth motor mounting feature 2732B of the thirdinterchangeable performance package 2728, etc.). In some examples, thecorresponding motor mounting features 2704A, 2704B, 2718A, 2718B, 2732A,2732B can be coupled to inboard surfaces of cavities 2624, 2634 viabushing connections. In other examples, the corresponding motor mountingfeatures 2704A, 2704B, 2718A, 2718B, 2732A, 2732B can be coupled toinboard surfaces of the cavities 2624, 2634 via any other suitablefastening technique (e.g., a press-fit, a weld, a chemical adhesive, afastener, etc.).

At block 2908, the suspension assemblies of the selected performancepackages are coupled to chassis 2600 via the corresponding framemounting features. For example, instances of the correspondingsuspension assemblies of the selected performance package (e.g., thefirst suspension assembly 2706A and the second suspension assembly ofthe first interchangeable performance package 2700, the third suspensionassembly 2720A and the fourth suspension assembly 2720B of the secondinterchangeable performance package 2714, the fifth suspension assembly2734A and the sixth suspension assembly 2734B of the thirdinterchangeable performance package 2728, etc.) can be coupled to thechassis 2600 via the corresponding frame mounting features (e.g., thefirst frame mounting feature 2712A and the second frame mounting feature2712B of the first interchangeable performance package 2700, the thirdframe mounting feature 2726A and the fourth frame mounting feature 2726Bof the second interchangeable performance package 2714, the fifth framemounting feature 2742A and the sixth frame mounting feature 2742B of thethird interchangeable performance package 2728, etc.). In some examples,the corresponding frame mounting features 2712A, 2712B, 2726A, 2726B,2742A, 2742B can be coupled to outboard surfaces of corresponding onesof the longitudinal members 2620, 2622, 2630, 2632 via any othersuitable fastening technique (e.g., a press-fit, a weld, a chemicaladhesive, a fastener, etc.).

At block 2910, the wheels 2614A, 2614B, 2614C, 2614D are coupled to thesuspension assemblies. For example, the wheels 2614A, 2614B, 2614C,2614D can be coupled to the corresponding wheel mounting features (e.g.,the first wheel mounting feature 2710A and the second wheel mountingfeature 2710B of the first interchangeable performance package 2700, thethird wheel mounting feature 2724A and the fourth wheel mounting feature2724B of the second interchangeable performance package 2714, the fifthwheel mounting feature 2740A and the sixth wheel mounting feature 2740Bof the third interchangeable performance package 2728, etc.). In someexamples, the corresponding wheel mounting features 2710A, 2710B, 2724A,2724B, 2740A, 2740B can be implemented via wheel hub, which can receivecorresponding apertures of the wheels 2614A, 2614B, 2614C, 2614D. Inother examples, the wheels 2614A, 2614B, 2614C, 2614D can be coupled tothe corresponding suspension assemblies 2706A, 2706B, 2720A, 2720B,2734A, 2734B via any other suitable fastening technique. The method 2900ends.

FIGS. 30A-35 depict alternative vehicle chassis that may be used toimplement the teachings of this disclosure that are similar to thosedescribed with reference FIGS. 30A-35. When the same reference number isused in connection with FIGS. 30A-35 as used in FIGS. 26-29, it has thesame meaning unless indicated otherwise.

FIG. 30A is a perspective view of an example interchangeable firstsubframe 3000 including the first interchangeable performance package2700 of FIG. 27A. In the illustrated example of FIG. 30A, the firstinterchangeable subframe 3000 includes an example first crossmember3004, an example second crossmember 3006, an example first side rail3008, and an example second side rail 3010. In the illustrated exampleof FIG. 30, the first interchangeable performance package 2700 iscoupled to the first crossmember 3004, the second crossmember 3006, thefirst side rail 3008, and the second side rail 3010. For example, thefirst electric motor 2702 is coupled to an inboard surface of the firstside rail 3008 and the second side rail 3010 via the first motormounting feature 2704A and the second motor mounting feature 2704B,respectively. The example suspension assembly 2706A is coupled to anexample first wheel 3012 via the example first wheel mounting feature2710A and is coupled to an outboard surface of the side rail 3008 viathe example first frame mounting feature 2712A. The example suspensionassembly 2706B is coupled to an example second wheel 3014 via theexample second wheel mounting feature 2710B and is coupled to anoutboard surface of the side rail 3008 via the example second framemounting feature 2712B.

FIG. 30B is a perspective view of an example second interchangeablesubframe 3016 including the second interchangeable performance package2714 of FIG. 27B. The example second interchangeable subframe 3016includes the example first crossmember 3004 of FIG. 30A, the examplesecond crossmember 3006 of FIG. 30A, the example first side rail 3008 ofFIG. 30A, and the example second side rail 3010 of FIG. 30A. In theillustrated example of FIG. 30B, the second interchangeable performancepackage 2714 is coupled to the first crossmember 3004, the secondcrossmember 3006, the first side rail 3008, and the second side rail3010. For example, the second electric motor 2716 is coupled to aninboard surface of the first side rail 3008 and the second side rail3010 via the third motor mounting feature 2718A and the fourth motormounting feature 2718B, respectively. The example third suspensionassembly 2720A is coupled to the first wheel 3012 of FIG. 30A via theexample third wheel mounting feature 2724A and is coupled to an outboardsurface of the side rail 3008 via the example third frame mountingfeature 2726A. The example fourth suspension assembly 2720B is coupledto the second wheel 3014 of FIG. 30B via the example fourth wheelmounting feature 2724B and is coupled to an outboard surface of the siderail 3008 via the example fourth frame mounting feature 2726B.

FIG. 30C is a perspective view of an example third interchangeablesubframe 3018 including the third interchangeable performance package2728 of FIG. 27C. The example third interchangeable subframe 3018includes the example first crossmember 3004 of FIG. 30A, the examplesecond crossmember 3006 of FIG. 30A, the example first side rail 3008 ofFIG. 30A, and the example second side rail 3010 of FIG. 30A. In theillustrated example of FIG. 30C, the third interchangeable performancepackage 2728 is coupled to the first crossmember 3004, the secondcrossmember 3006, the first side rail 3008, and the second side rail3010. For example, the third electric motor 2730 is coupled to aninboard surface of the first side rail 3008 and the second side rail3010 via the fifth motor mounting feature 2732A and the sixth motormounting feature 2732B, respectively. The example suspension assembly2734A is coupled to the first wheel 3012 of FIG. 30A via the examplefifth wheel mounting feature 2740A and is coupled to an outboard surfaceof the side rail 3008 via the example frame mounting feature 2742A. Theexample suspension assembly 2734B is coupled to the second wheel 3014 ofFIG. 30B via the example sixth wheel mounting feature 2740B and iscoupled to an outboard surface of the side rail 3008 via the examplesixth frame mounting feature 2742B.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 30A-30C, the interchangeableperformance packages 2700, 2714, 2728 of FIGS. 27A-27C are components ofcorresponding interchangeable subframes 3000, 3016, 3018. Theinterchangeable subframes 3000, 3016, 3018 include common structuralmembers (e.g., the first crossmember 3004, the second crossmember 3006,the first side rail 3008, the second side rail 3010, etc.).

The motor mounting features 2704A, 2704B, 2718A, 2718B, 2732A, 2732B ofthe corresponding interchangeable performance packages 2700, 2714, 2728are coupled to internal faces of the side rails 3008, 3010 of thecorresponding interchangeable subframes 3000, 3016, 3018. In someexamples, the corresponding motor mounting features 2704A, 2704B, 2718A,2718B, 2732A, 2732B can be implemented by bushings which receivecorresponding inboard protrusions extending from the side rails 3008,3010, which damp vibration generated by the respectively electric motors2702, 2716, 2730. In other examples, the corresponding motor mountingfeatures 2704A, 2704B, 2718A, 2718B, 2732A, 2732B can be implemented byoutboard extending features to be received by bushings associated withthe crossmembers 3004, 3006 and/or side rails 3008, 3010 which dampvibration generated by the electric motors 2702, 2716, 2730. In otherexamples, the corresponding motor mounting features 2704A, 2704B, 2718A,2718B, 2732A, 2732B can be coupled to the corresponding side rails 3008,3010 via any fastening technique (e.g., a fastener, a weld, a chemicaladhesive, a press-fit, etc.) or combination thereof.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 30A-30C, the suspension assemblies2706A, 2706B, 2720A, 2720B, 2734A, 2734B are coupled to outboardsurfaces of the side rails 3008, 3010 via corresponding ones of theframe mounting features 2712A, 2712B, 2726A, 2726B, 2742A, 2742B. Thecorresponding frame mounting features 2712A, 2712B, 2726A, 2726B, 2742A,2742B can be coupled to the corresponding side rails 3008, 3010 via anyfastening technique (e.g., a fastener, a weld, a chemical adhesive, apress-fit, etc.) or combination thereof. In the illustrated example ofFIG. 30A-30C, the suspension assemblies 2706A, 2706B, 2720A, 2720B,2734A, 2734B are coupled to the wheels 3012, 3014 via corresponding onesof the wheel mounting features 2710A, 2710B, 2724A, 2724B, 2740A, 2740B.The corresponding wheel mounting features 2710A, 2710B, 2724A, 2724B,2740A, 2740B can be implemented by a wheel hub, which includesprotrusions to be received by corresponding apertures of the wheels3012, 3014. In other examples, the wheel mounting features 2710A, 2710B,2724A, 2724B, 2740A, 2740B can be implemented by any other suitablemeans.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an example vehicle chassis 3100including features to receive the interchangeable subframes 3000, 3016,3018 of FIG. 30A-30C. The interchangeable subframes 3000, 3016, 3018 arecouplable within the first cavity 2624 of the front chassis portion2604. For example, the first crossmember 3004, the second crossmember3006, the first side rail 3008, and the second side rail 3010 of one ofthe interchangeable subframes 3000, 3016, 3018 can be coupled to acorresponding structural member of the chassis 3100. For example, thefirst crossmember 3004 of one of the interchangeable subframes 3000,3016, 3018 can be coupled to the crossmember 2616 of the chassis 3100via one or more fastening techniques (e.g., a fastener, a weld, achemical adhesive, a press-fit, etc.) or combination thereof. In someexamples, the second crossmember 3006 of one of the interchangeablesubframes 3000, 3016, 3018 can be coupled the second crossmember 2618 ofthe chassis 3100 via one or more fastening techniques (e.g., a fastener,a weld, a chemical adhesive, a press-fit, etc.) or combination thereof.In some examples, the first side rail 3008 of one of the interchangeablesubframes 3000, 3016, 3018 can be coupled the first longitudinal member2620 of the chassis 3100 via one or more fastening techniques (e.g., afastener, a weld, a chemical adhesive, a press-fit, etc.) or combinationthereof. In some examples, the second side rail 3010 of one of theinterchangeable subframes 3000, 3016, 3018 can be coupled the secondlongitudinal member 2622 of the chassis 3100 via one or more fasteningtechniques (e.g., a fastener, a weld, a chemical adhesive, a press-fit,etc.) or combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, one of theinterchangeable subframes 3000, 3016, 3018 can be coupled to the frontchassis portion 2604 via one or more bushings and/or brackets.

The interchangeable subframes 3000, 3016, 3018 are couplable within thesecond cavity 2634 of the rear chassis portion 2606. For example, thecommon the first crossmember 3004, the second crossmember 3006, thefirst side rail 3008, and the second side rail 3010 of one of theinterchangeable subframes 3000, 3016, 3018 can be coupled to acorresponding structural member of the chassis 3100. For example, thefirst crossmember 3004 of one of the interchangeable subframes 3000,3016, 3018 can be coupled to the third crossmember 2626 of the chassis3100 via one or more fastening techniques (e.g., a fastener, a weld, achemical adhesive, a press-fit, etc.) or combination thereof. In someexamples, the second crossmember 3006 of one of the interchangeablesubframes 3000, 3016, 3018 can be coupled the fourth crossmember 2628 ofthe chassis 3100 via one or more fastening techniques (e.g., a fastener,a weld, a chemical adhesive, a press-fit, etc.) or combination thereof.In some examples, the first side rail 3008 of one of the interchangeablesubframes 3000, 3016, 3018 can be coupled the third longitudinal member2630 of the chassis 3100 via one or more fastening techniques (e.g., afastener, a weld, a chemical adhesive, a press-fit, etc.) or combinationthereof. In some examples, the second side rail 3010 of one of theinterchangeable subframes 3000, 3016, 3018 can be coupled the fourthlongitudinal member 2632 of the chassis 3100 via one or more fasteningtechniques (e.g., a fastener, a weld, a chemical adhesive, a press-fit,etc.) or combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, one of theinterchangeable subframes 3000, 3016, 3018 can be coupled to the rearchassis portion 2606 via one or more bushings and/or brackets.

As such, the chassis 3100 can be configured to include different ones ofthe interchangeable performance packages 2700, 2714, 2728 via theinterchanging of the interchangeable subframes 3000, 3016, 3018.Accordingly, the chassis 3100 can be easily configured to supportdifferent vehicle models and/or types via of interchanging of theinterchangeable subframes 3000, 3016, 3018, which increases the easemanufacturing and assembly by reducing the total number of unique partsused between vehicles. When combined with the other teachings of thisdisclosure (e.g., the scalable chassis 1900 of FIG. 19, the scalablechassis 2300 of FIG. 23, etc.), disparate vehicle types (e.g., pick-uptrucks and compacts, etc.) can be implemented to share a common chassiswith similar designs and a comparatively large number of common parts.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart representative of an example method to assemblethe example chassis of FIGS. 31 with one of the interchangeablesubframes of FIG. 30A-30C. At block 3202, the model of the vehicleassociated with the chassis 3100 is determined. For example, the modelof the vehicle can be determined to be a pick-up truck model, a compactmodel, an SUV model, a crossover model, a van model, etc. In someexamples, the desired performance characteristics (e.g., engine torque,engine power, suspension characteristics is determined).

At block 3204, one of the interchangeable performance packages 2700,2714, 2718 is selected based on the determined model of the vehicle. Forexample, if the model of the vehicle is a passenger model, the firstinterchangeable performance package 2700 is selected. If the model ofthe vehicle is a hauling model and/or a heavier passenger model, thesecond interchangeable performance package 2714 is selected. If themodel of the vehicle is a performance model, the third interchangeableperformance package 2728 is selected. In other examples, other suitableperformance packages can be selected based on the model. In someexamples, multiple performance packages can be selected. In suchexamples, the subframes associated with the selected performancepackages can be coupled to different portions of the chassis 3100 (e.g.,the first interchangeable subframe 3000 coupled within the first cavity2624, the second interchangeable subframe 3016 coupled within the secondcavity 2634, etc.).

At block 3206, the subframe associated with the selected performancepackage is selected. For example, if the first interchangeableperformance package 2700 was selected, the first interchangeablesubframe 3000 can be selected. If the second interchangeable performancepackage 2714 was selected, the second interchangeable subframe 3016 isselected. If the third interchangeable performance package 2728 wasselected, the third interchangeable subframe 3018 is selected.

At block 3208, the selected subframe including the selected performancepackage is assembled. For example, the first crossmember 3004, thesecond crossmember 3006, the first side rail 3008, and the second siderail 3010 of the selected one of the interchangeable subframes 3000,3016, 3018 can be assembled via suitable fastening technique(s) (e.g.,welds, press-fits, chemical adhesive, fastener(s), etc.). If the firstinterchangeable subframe 3000 was selected, the first interchangeableperformance package 2700 can be coupled to the first crossmember 3004,the second crossmember 3006, the first side rail 3008, and the secondside rail 3010 via the first motor mounting feature 2704A, the secondmotor mounting feature 2704B, the first frame mounting feature 2712A,and the frame mounting feature 2712B. In some examples, the first wheel3012 and the second wheel 3014 can be coupled to the firstinterchangeable subframe 3000 via the first wheel mounting feature 2710Aand the second wheel mounting feature 2710B, respectively. If the secondinterchangeable subframe 3016 was selected, the second interchangeableperformance package 2714 can be coupled to the first crossmember 3004,the second crossmember 3006, the first side rail 3008, and the secondside rail 3010 the third motor mounting feature 2718A, the fourth motormounting feature 2718B, the third frame mounting feature 2726A, and thefourth frame mounting feature 2726B. In some examples, the first wheel3012 and the second wheel 3014 can be coupled to the secondinterchangeable subframe 3016 via the third wheel mounting feature 2724Aand the fourth wheel mounting feature 2724B, respectively. If the thirdinterchangeable subframe 3018 was selected, the second interchangeableperformance package 2714 can be coupled to the first crossmember 3004,the second crossmember 3006, the first side rail 3008, and the secondside rail 3010 the fifth motor mounting feature 2732A, the sixth motormounting feature 2732B, the fifth frame mounting feature 2742A, and thesixth frame mounting feature 2742B. In some examples, the first wheel3012 and the second wheel 3014 can be coupled to the thirdinterchangeable subframe 3018 via the fifth wheel mounting feature 2740Aand the sixth wheel mounting feature 2740B, respectively.

At block 3210, the assembled subframes are coupled to the chassis 3100.For example, the first crossmember 3004, the second crossmember 3006,the first side rail 3008, and the second side rail 3010 can be coupledto the corresponding structural members of the chassis 3100. Forexample, the first crossmember 3004 of one of the interchangeablesubframes 3000, 3016, 3018 can be coupled to the third crossmember 2626of the chassis 3100 via one or more fastening techniques (e.g., afastener, a weld, a chemical adhesive, a press-fit, etc.) or combinationthereof. In some examples, the second crossmember 3006 of one of theinterchangeable subframes 3000, 3016, 3018 can be coupled the fourthcrossmember 2628 of the chassis 3100 via one or more fasteningtechniques (e.g., a fastener, a weld, a chemical adhesive, a press-fit,etc.) or combination thereof. In some examples, the first side rail 3008of one of the interchangeable subframes 3000, 3016, 3018 can be coupledthe third longitudinal member 2630 of the chassis 3100 via one or morefastening techniques (e.g., a fastener, a weld, a chemical adhesive, apress-fit, etc.) or combination thereof. In some examples, the secondside rail 3010 of one of the interchangeable subframes 3000, 3016, 3018can be coupled the fourth longitudinal member 2632 of the chassis 3100via one or more fastening techniques (e.g., a fastener, a weld, achemical adhesive, a press-fit, etc.) or combination thereof.Additionally or alternatively, one of the interchangeable subframes3000, 3016, 3018 can be coupled to the rear chassis portion 2606 via oneor more bushings and/or brackets. The method 3200 ends.

FIG. 33A is a perspective view of an example first interchangeablechassis portion 3300 including the first interchangeable performancepackage 2700 of FIG. 27A. In the illustrated example of FIG. 33A, theelements of the first interchangeable performance package 2700 (e.g.,the first electric motor 2702, the first suspension assembly 2706A, thesecond suspension assembly 2706B, etc.) are coupled within the firstinterchangeable chassis portion 3300. In the illustrated example of FIG.33A, the suspension assemblies 2706A, 2706B are coupled to an examplefirst wheel 3304 and an example second wheel 3306, respectively. Theexample first interchangeable chassis portion 3300 includes examplefirst attachment locators 3302.

FIG. 33B is a perspective view of an example second interchangeablechassis portion 3308 including the interchangeable performance package2714 of FIG. 27B. In the illustrated example of FIG. 33B, the elementsof the second interchangeable performance package 2714 (e.g., the secondelectric motor 2716, the third suspension assembly 2720A, the fourthsuspension assembly 2720B, etc.) are coupled within the secondinterchangeable chassis portion 3308. In the illustrated example of FIG.33B, the suspension assemblies 2720A, 2720B are coupled to an examplefirst wheel 3312 and an example second wheel 3314, respectively. Theexample second interchangeable chassis portion 3308 includes examplesecond attachment locators 3310.

FIG. 33C is a perspective view of an example third interchangeablechassis portion 3316 including the third interchangeable performancepackage 2728 of FIG. 27C. In the illustrated example of FIG. 33C, theelements of the third interchangeable performance package 2728 (e.g.,the third electric motor 2730, the fifth suspension assembly 2734A, thesixth suspension assembly 2734B, etc.) are coupled within the thirdinterchangeable chassis portion 3316. In the illustrated example of FIG.33C, the suspension assemblies 2734A, 2734B are coupled to an examplefirst wheel 3320 and an example second wheel 3322, respectively. Theexample third interchangeable chassis portion 3316 includes examplethird attachment locators 3318.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 33A-33C, the interchangeable chassisportions 3300, 3308, 3316 can be implemented as both front chassisportions (e.g., the front chassis portion 2604 of FIG. 26, etc.) or rearchassis portions (e.g., the rear chassis portion 2606 of FIG. 26, etc.).In other examples, side-specific chassis portions can be used. In suchexamples, the interchangeable chassis portions 3300, 3308, 3316 can bedivided into corresponding front interchangeable chassis portions andcorresponding rear interchangeable chassis portions. In the illustratedexample of FIGS. 33A-33C, the interchangeable chassis portions 3300,3308, 3316 have similar designs and components as the interchangeablechassis portions 2302A, 2302B, 2304A, 2304B of FIG. 23. In otherexamples, the in the interchangeable chassis portions 3300, 3308, 3316can have any other suitable design and can include different components.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of another example vehicle chassis 3400that includes a plurality of the interchangeable chassis portions 3300,3308, 3316 of FIG. 33A-32C. The example vehicle chassis 3400 includes anexample battery platform 3402, which includes example fourth attachmentlocators 3404 and example fifth attachment locators 3406.

The battery platform 3402 is a common component shared between differentconfigurations of the chassis 3400. The example battery platform 3402includes a plurality of structural members (e.g., crossmembers, siderails, etc.) and EV batteries. The fourth attachment locators 3404 canbe coupled to the corresponding first attachment locators 3302 of theinterchangeable chassis portion 3300, the corresponding secondattachment locators 3310 of the second interchangeable chassis portion3308, or the corresponding third attachment locators 3318 of the thirdinterchangeable chassis portion 3316. The fifth attachment locators 3406can be coupled to the corresponding first attachment locators 3302 ofthe first interchangeable chassis portion 3300, the corresponding secondattachment locators 3310 of the second interchangeable chassis portion3308, or the corresponding third attachment locators 3318 of the thirdinterchangeable chassis portion 3316. In the illustrated example of FIG.34, the attachment locators 3302, 3310, 3318 of the interchangeablechassis portions 3300, 3308, 3316 include protrusions to be received bycorresponding apertures of the attachment locators 3404, 3406 of thebattery platform 3402. In other examples, the attachment locators 3404,3406 of the battery platform 3402 include protrusions to be received bythe attachment locators 3302, 3310, 3318. Additionally or alternatively,the front of the battery platform 3402 can be coupled to a correspondingone of the interchangeable chassis portions 3300, 3308, 3316, and therear of the battery platform 3402 can be coupled to a corresponding oneof the interchangeable chassis portions 3300, 3308, 3316 via additionalfastening techniques (e.g., welds, press-fits, chemical adhesives,fasteners, etc.).

The interchangeable chassis portions 3300, 3308, 3316 are couplable tothe front and rear of the battery platform 3402. Depending on which ofthe interchangeable chassis portions 3300, 3308, 3316 is coupled to thefront of the battery platform 3402 and which of the interchangeablechassis portions 3300, 3308, 3316 is coupled to the rear of the batteryplatform 3402, the performance characteristics of the chassis 3400 canbe changed.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart representative of an example method to assemblythe example chassis of FIGS. 34 with one of the interchangeable chassisportions 3300, 3308, 3316 of FIG. 33A-33C. At block 3502, the model ofthe vehicle associated with the chassis 3400 is determined. For example,the model of the vehicle can be determined to be a pick-up truck model,a compact model, an SUV model, a crossover model, a van model, etc. Insome examples, the desired performance characteristics (e.g., enginetorque, engine power, suspension characteristics is determined).

At block 3508, one of the interchangeable performance packages 2700,2714, 2718 is selected based on the determined model of the vehicle. Forexample, if the model of the vehicle is a passenger model, the firstinterchangeable performance package 2700 is selected. If the model ofthe vehicle is a hauling model, the second interchangeable performancepackage 2714 is selected. If the model of the vehicle is a performancemodel, the third interchangeable performance package 2728 is selected.In other examples, other suitable performance packages can be selectedbased on the model. In some examples, multiple performance packages canbe selected. In such examples, different ones of the interchangeablechassis portions 3300, 3308, 3316 can be coupled to the front and rearof the battery platforms 3402.

At block 3506, the chassis portion associated with the selectedperformance package is selected. For example, if the firstinterchangeable performance package 2700 was selected, the firstinterchangeable chassis portion 3300 can be selected. If the secondinterchangeable performance package 2714 was selected, the secondinterchangeable chassis portion 3308 is selected. If the thirdinterchangeable performance package 2728 was selected, the thirdinterchangeable chassis portion 3118 is selected.

At block 3508, the selected chassis portion(s) including the selectedperformance package are assembled. For example, the structural membersof the selected chassis portions can be assembled in a manner similar tothe chassis portions 2304A, 2304B, 2306B, 2306B of FIG. 23. If the firstinterchangeable chassis portion 3300 was selected, the firstinterchangeable performance package 2700 can be coupled to the firstinterchangeable chassis portion 3300 via the first motor mountingfeature 2704A, the second motor mounting feature 2704B, the first framemounting feature 2712A, and the frame mounting feature 2712B. In someexamples, the first wheel 3312 and the second wheel 3314 can be coupledto the first interchangeable chassis portion 3300 via the first wheelmounting feature 2710A and the second wheel mounting feature 2710B,respectively. If the second interchangeable chassis portion 3308 wasselected, the second interchangeable performance package 2714 can becoupled to the second interchangeable chassis portion 3308 via the thirdmotor mounting feature 2718A, the fourth motor mounting feature 2718B,the third frame mounting feature 2726A, and the fourth frame mountingfeature 2726B. In some examples, the first wheel 3312 and the secondwheel 3314 can be coupled to the second interchangeable chassis portion3308 via the third wheel mounting feature 2724A and the fourth wheelmounting feature 2724B, respectively. If the third interchangeablechassis portion 3316 was selected, the third interchangeable performancepackage 2728 can be coupled to the third interchangeable chassis portion3316 the fifth motor mounting feature 2732A, the sixth motor mountingfeature 2732B, the fifth frame mounting feature 2742A, and the sixthframe mounting feature 2742B. In some examples, the first wheel 3312 andthe second wheel 3314 can be coupled to the third interchangeablechassis portion 3316 via the fifth wheel mounting feature 2740A and thesixth wheel mounting feature 2740B, respectively.

At block 3510, the selected one of the interchangeable chassis portions3300, 3308, 3316 is coupled to the front of the battery platform 3402.For example, if the first interchangeable chassis portion 3300 isselected, the first attachment locators 3302 are coupled to the fourthattachment locators 3404. If the second interchangeable chassis portion3308 was selected, the second attachment locators 3310 are coupled tothe fourth attachment locators 3404. If the third interchangeablechassis portion 3316 was selected, the third attachment locators 3318are coupled to the fourth attachment locators 3404. In some examples,the attachment locators 3302, 3310, 3318 include protrusions to bereceived by corresponding apertures of the fourth attachment locator3404 of the battery platform 3402. In other examples, the fifthattachment locators 3404 include protrusions to be received by theattachment locators 3302, 3310, 3318. Additionally or alternatively, thefront of the battery platform 3402 can be coupled to the selected one ofthe interchangeable chassis portions 3300, 3308, 3316 via additionalfastening techniques (e.g., welds, press-fits, chemical adhesives,fasteners, etc.).

At block 3512, the selected one of the interchangeable chassis portions3300, 3308, 3316 is coupled to the rear of the battery platform 3402.For example, if the first interchangeable chassis portion 3300 isselected, the first attachment locators 3302 are coupled to the fifthattachment locators 3406. If the second interchangeable chassis portion3308 was selected, the second attachment locators 3310 are coupled tothe fifth attachment locators 3406. If the third interchangeable chassisportion 3316 was selected, the third attachment locators 3318 arecoupled to the fifth attachment locators 3406. In some examples, theattachment locators 3302, 3310, 3318 include protrusions to be receivedby corresponding apertures of the fifth attachment locators 3406 of thebattery platform 3402. In other examples, the fifth attachment locators3406 of the battery platform 3402 include protrusions to be received bythe attachment locators 3302, 3310, 3318. Additionally or alternatively,the rear of the battery platform 3402 can be coupled to the selected oneof the interchangeable chassis portions 3300, 3308, 3316 via additionalfastening techniques (e.g., welds, press-fits, chemical adhesives,fasteners, etc.). The method 3500 ends.

“Including” and “comprising” (and all forms and tenses thereof) are usedherein to be open ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim employs any formof “include” or “comprise” (e.g., comprises, includes, comprising,including, having, etc.) as a preamble or within a claim recitation ofany kind, it is to be understood that additional elements, terms, etc.may be present without falling outside the scope of the correspondingclaim or recitation. As used herein, when the phrase “at least” is usedas the transition term in, for example, a preamble of a claim, it isopen-ended in the same manner as the term “comprising” and “including”are open ended. The term “and/or” when used, for example, in a form suchas A, B, and/or C refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C such as(1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A with B, (5) A with C, (6) Bwith C, and (7) A with B and with C. As used herein in the context ofdescribing structures, components, items, objects and/or things, thephrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementationsincluding any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) atleast one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the contextof describing structures, components, items, objects and/or things, thephrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementationsincluding any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, and (3) atleast one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context ofdescribing the performance or execution of processes, instructions,actions, activities and/or steps, the phrase “at least one of A and B”is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at leastone A, (2) at least one B, and (3) at least one A and at least one B.Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the performanceor execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities and/orsteps, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer toimplementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B,and (3) at least one A and at least one B.

As used herein, singular references (e.g., “a”, “an”, “first”, “second”,etc.) do not exclude a plurality. The term “a” or “an” entity, as usedherein, refers to one or more of that entity. The terms “a” (or “an”),“one or more”, and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means,elements or method actions may be implemented by, e.g., a single unit orprocessor. Additionally, although individual features may be included indifferent examples or claims, these may possibly be combined, and theinclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that acombination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous.

Configurable vehicle chassis and associated methods are disclosedherein. Further examples and combinations thereof include the following:

Example 1 includes a vehicle frame including end frames and a centralframe coupled between the end frames, the central frame positioned at anoffset relative to the end frames, the vehicle frame rotatable about alongitudinal axis of the vehicle frame between a first position and asecond position, the central frame at a first distance from the groundwhen the vehicle frame is in the first position, the central frame at asecond distance from the ground when the vehicle frame is in the secondposition, the second distance greater than the first distance.

Example 2 includes the vehicle frame of Example 1, and further includesmirrored attachment points positioned on each of the end frames, themirrored attachment points to receive a suspension system.

Example 3 includes the vehicle frame of Example 2, where the suspensionsystem is coupled to the end frames in a same orientation when thevehicle frame is in the first position or the second position.

Example 4 includes the vehicle frame of Example 1, where the centralframe is to receive one or more battery packs.

Example 5 includes the vehicle frame of Example 4, where electric motorsare coupled to the end frames, the electric motors operatively coupledto wheels, wherein operation of the electric motors causes correspondingrotation of the wheels, the electric motors powered by the one or morebattery packs.

Example 6 includes the vehicle frame of Example 5, where the electricmotors are configured to rotate in a first direction when the vehicleframe is in the first position and the electric motors are configured torotate in a second direction opposite the first direction when thevehicle frame is in the second position.

Example 5 includes the vehicle frame of Example 1, where a first type ofvehicle body is coupled to the vehicle frame when the vehicle frame isin the first position, and a second type of vehicle body is coupled tothe vehicle frame when the vehicle frame is in the second position, thesecond type of vehicle body different from the first type of vehiclebody.

Example 8 includes a vehicle including a vehicle frame rotatable about alongitudinal axis between first and second positions, the vehicle framehaving a first ride height when the vehicle frame is in the firstposition, the vehicle frame having a second ride height when the vehicleframe is in the second position, the second ride height greater than thefirst ride height, and one of a first type of vehicle body or a secondtype of vehicle body, the first type of vehicle body coupled to thevehicle frame when the vehicle frame is in the first position, thesecond type of vehicle body coupled to the vehicle frame when thevehicle frame is in the second position, the second type of vehicle bodydifferent from the first type of vehicle body.

Example 9 includes the vehicle of Example 8, and further includesmirrored attachment points positioned on the vehicle frame, the mirroredattachment points to receive a suspension system of the vehicle, thesuspension system in a same orientation when the vehicle frame is in thefirst position or the second position.

Example 10 includes the vehicle of Example 8, where the vehicle frameincludes a base frame coupled between front and rear frames, the baseframe positioned at an offset relative to the front and rear frames.

Example 11 includes the vehicle of Example 10, where the base frame isto receive one or more battery packs.

Example 12 includes the vehicle of Example 11, and further includes atleast one electric motor operatively coupled to wheels of the vehicle,the at least one electric motor powered by the one or more batterypacks.

Example 13 includes the vehicle of Example 12, where the at least oneelectric motor is mounted to the vehicle frame in a first orientationwhen the vehicle frame is in the first position and the at least oneelectric motor is mounted to the vehicle frame in a second orientationdifferent from the first orientation when the vehicle frame is in thesecond position.

Example 14 includes the vehicle of Example 13, where the at least oneelectric motor is configured to rotate in a first direction when in thefirst orientation and the at least one electric motor is configured torotate in a second direction opposite the first direction when in thesecond orientation.

Example 15 includes a method including in response to determining that avehicle is to have a first ride height, rotating a vehicle frame of thevehicle about a longitudinal axis to a first position, the vehicle framerotatable between the first position and a second position, the vehicleframe having the first ride height when the vehicle frame is in thefirst position, the vehicle frame having a second ride height when thevehicle frame is in the second position, the second ride height greaterthan the first ride height, and coupling one of a first type of vehiclebody or a second type of vehicle body to the vehicle frame, the firsttype of vehicle body coupled to the vehicle frame when the vehicle frameis in the first position, the second type of vehicle body coupled to thevehicle frame when the vehicle frame is in the second position, thesecond type of vehicle body different from the first type of vehiclebody.

Example 16 includes the method of Example 15, and further includesassembling the vehicle frame by coupling a base frame between front andrear frames, the base frame positioned at an offset relative to thefront and rear frames, the base frame to receive one or more batterypacks.

Example 17 includes the method of Example 16, and further includescoupling one or more mirrored attachment points to the front and rearframes, the mirrored attachment points to receive a suspension system ofthe vehicle.

Example 18 includes the method of Example 17, and further includesmounting the suspension system to the vehicle frame in a sameorientation when the vehicle frame is in the first position or thesecond position.

Example 19 includes the method of Example 16, and further includescoupling at least one electric motor to the front and rear frames, andelectrically coupling the at least one electric motor to the one or morebattery packs.

Example 20 includes the method of Example 19, and further includesmounting the at least one electric motor in a first orientation when thevehicle frame is in the first position and mounting the at least oneelectric motor in a second orientation different from the firstorientation when the vehicle frame is in the second position, the atleast one electric motor to operate in a first direction when in thefirst orientation and in a second direction opposite the first directionwhen in the second orientation.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacturehave been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods,apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe claims of this patent.

The following claims are hereby incorporated into this DetailedDescription by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as aseparate embodiment of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle frame comprising: end frames; and acentral frame coupled between the end frames, the central framepositioned at an offset relative to the end frames, the vehicle framerotatable about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame between a firstposition and a second position, the central frame at a first distancefrom the ground when the vehicle frame is in the first position, thecentral frame at a second distance from the ground when the vehicleframe is in the second position, the second distance greater than thefirst distance.
 2. The vehicle frame of claim 1, further includingmirrored attachment points positioned on each of the end frames, themirrored attachment points to receive a suspension system.
 3. Thevehicle frame of claim 2, wherein the suspension system is coupled tothe end frames in a same orientation when the vehicle frame is in thefirst position or the second position.
 4. The vehicle frame of claim 1,wherein the central frame is to receive one or more battery packs. 5.The vehicle frame of claim 4, wherein electric motors are coupled to theend frames, the electric motors operatively coupled to wheels, whereinoperation of the electric motors causes corresponding rotation of thewheels, the electric motors powered by the one or more battery packs. 6.The vehicle frame of claim 5, wherein the electric motors are configuredto rotate in a first direction when the vehicle frame is in the firstposition and the electric motors are configured to rotate in a seconddirection opposite the first direction when the vehicle frame is in thesecond position.
 7. The vehicle frame of claim 1, wherein a first typeof vehicle body is coupled to the vehicle frame when the vehicle frameis in the first position, and a second type of vehicle body is coupledto the vehicle frame when the vehicle frame is in the second position,the second type of vehicle body different from the first type of vehiclebody.
 8. A vehicle comprising: a vehicle frame rotatable about alongitudinal axis between first and second positions, the vehicle framehaving a first ride height when the vehicle frame is in the firstposition, the vehicle frame having a second ride height when the vehicleframe is in the second position, the second ride height greater than thefirst ride height; and one of a first type of vehicle body or a secondtype of vehicle body, the first type of vehicle body coupled to thevehicle frame when the vehicle frame is in the first position, thesecond type of vehicle body coupled to the vehicle frame when thevehicle frame is in the second position, the second type of vehicle bodydifferent from the first type of vehicle body.
 9. The vehicle of claim8, further including mirrored attachment points positioned on thevehicle frame, the mirrored attachment points to receive a suspensionsystem of the vehicle, the suspension system in a same orientation whenthe vehicle frame is in the first position or the second position. 10.The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the vehicle frame includes a base framecoupled between front and rear frames, the base frame positioned at anoffset relative to the front and rear frames.
 11. The vehicle of claim10, wherein the base frame is to receive one or more battery packs. 12.The vehicle of claim 11, further including at least one electric motoroperatively coupled to wheels of the vehicle, the at least one electricmotor powered by the one or more battery packs.
 13. The vehicle of claim12, wherein the at least one electric motor is mounted to the vehicleframe in a first orientation when the vehicle frame is in the firstposition and the at least one electric motor is mounted to the vehicleframe in a second orientation different from the first orientation whenthe vehicle frame is in the second position.
 14. The vehicle of claim13, wherein the at least one electric motor is configured to rotate in afirst direction when in the first orientation and the at least oneelectric motor is configured to rotate in a second direction oppositethe first direction when in the second orientation.
 15. A methodcomprising: in response to determining that a vehicle is to have a firstride height, rotating a vehicle frame of the vehicle about alongitudinal axis to a first position, the vehicle frame rotatablebetween the first position and a second position, the vehicle framehaving the first ride height when the vehicle frame is in the firstposition, the vehicle frame having a second ride height when the vehicleframe is in the second position, the second ride height greater than thefirst ride height; and coupling one of a first type of vehicle body or asecond type of vehicle body to the vehicle frame, the first type ofvehicle body coupled to the vehicle frame when the vehicle frame is inthe first position, the second type of vehicle body coupled to thevehicle frame when the vehicle frame is in the second position, thesecond type of vehicle body different from the first type of vehiclebody.
 16. The method of claim 15, further including assembling thevehicle frame by coupling a base frame between front and rear frames,the base frame positioned at an offset relative to the front and rearframes, the base frame to receive one or more battery packs.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, further including coupling one or more mirroredattachment points to the front and rear frames, the mirrored attachmentpoints to receive a suspension system of the vehicle.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, further including mounting the suspension system to thevehicle frame in a same orientation when the vehicle frame is in thefirst position or the second position.
 19. The method of claim 16,further including coupling at least one electric motor to the front andrear frames, and electrically coupling the at least one electric motorto the one or more battery packs.
 20. The method of claim 19, furtherincluding mounting the at least one electric motor in a firstorientation when the vehicle frame is in the first position and mountingthe at least one electric motor in a second orientation different fromthe first orientation when the vehicle frame is in the second position,the at least one electric motor to operate in a first direction when inthe first orientation and in a second direction opposite the firstdirection when in the second orientation.